Patna: The Shri Krishna Memorial Committee will provide Rs 2 crore to the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) to combat pollution and restore greenery at Gandhi Maidan. The decision was shared during a Corporation Board meeting on Saturday, where Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar addressed concerns raised by councillor Vinay Kumar ‘Pappu’ over increasing pollution levels in the area.
Parashar informed councillors that the Divisional Commissioner had assured financial support for purchasing equipment to maintain Gandhi Maidan. At present, the PMC sprays water daily using its sprinklers to reduce dust levels, but the new funds will be allocated for advanced equipment dedicated exclusively to its upkeep.
Several councillors expressed concern that Gandhi Maidan was being used primarily for commercial purposes rather than as a public green space. They demanded that the Municipal Corporation take full control to ensure its original greenery is restored.
Key Decisions Taken by the Corporation Board
- Separate Collection of Taxes: The Board rejected a proposal to combine garbage fees with holding tax, maintaining the existing system of separate collections. The Empowered Standing Committee had earlier backed this approach in its 31 January meeting.
- New Borewells Approved: The Board sanctioned the installation of high-yield borewells in 10 wards—2, 15, 22, 29, 30, 44, 47, 56, 62, and 68.
- Water Pipeline Expansion: A plan to expand the water supply pipeline in Ward 15 received approval.
- New Vending Zones: Councillors proposed the creation of vending zones in each ward, similar to the Kadamkuan vending zone. The Municipal Commissioner instructed councillors to identify suitable locations in their respective wards. However, Dr. Ashish Sinha noted that space constraints might make it challenging to set up vending zones everywhere, suggesting that Corporation Marts be established wherever possible.
