No new cement roads, freehold status for NMC leased plots

NAGPUR: Standing committee chairman Pradip Pohane did not announce any more cement roads, or freehold policy for Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) leased plots and conservancy areas. He provided money to complete phase-I and II of Cement Concrete Road Projects in 2019-20.
On phase-III, Pohane said work orders for all packages were issued. “Other works like storm water drains, footpath, repair of connecting approaches, rainwater harvesting etc will be executed in Rs44 crore under phase-III. Tendering for these is on,” he said.
But Pohane did not announce phase-IV. It means NMC will not concretize any more roads. NMC sources told TOI state too did not earmark funds for phase-IV in the recent budget. “Also, NIT will not bear any share as it has transferred all funds to NMRDA,” sources said.
NMC also continues to make provision for repair of existing tar roads. This time Rs104.08 crore have been provided.
Fadnavis had launched freehold status for nazul plots a few months ago, and suggested civic bodies should follow the lead for leased plots. But Pohane did not announce freehold policy for NMC leased plots and conservancy areas.
Ruling party leader Sandip Joshi said he will discuss freehold policy and try to accommodate it in the budget during discussions. “NMC will go for more cement roads if funds approved by CM,” he said.