Several important decisions were taken in the general council meeting of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday.
The major decisions include- Services of premium parking operator is likely to be scrapped and yet another proposal new multilevel parking to be developed at 10 Number market was approved during Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) general council meeting here on Friday.
Discussion held on significant proposals including a plan to rent out the roofs of BMC owned buildings to boost income, which received in-principle approval despite opposition from Congress corporators.
The proposal, introduced by BJP corporator, aims to increase BMC revenue. Additionally, a proposal to beautify city squares, central verges and gardens through CSR and public participation was also approved.
Mayor Malti Rai supported the roof rental proposal, stating, "This proposal is to improve the financial condition of the corporation and increase the income of the corporation." In contrast, Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki criticized the decision as hasty, requesting that the roofs of ward and zone offices not be rented out.
Rai, with permission from BMC chairman Kishan Suryavanshi, submitted another proposal focused on beautifying parts of the city through the involvement of the public.
However, the meeting saw limited discussion on other public interest issues raised by Congress corporators. These included concerns about potholes, sewage, stray dogs and waterlogging, which were not extensively deliberated during the session. Only eight out of 13 questions could be asked during the one-hour Question Hour.
The contract for premium parking in New Market will be canceled following allegations of illegal collection by Akhtar Enterprises, the contractor. Both Congress and BJP corporators accused the company of these illegal activities. As a result, Corporation Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi has directed strict action against the contractor.
"It was also decided to cancel the tender of Akhtar Enterprises, the contractor of premium parking in New Market," he said.
Corporators expressed their dissatisfaction with the illegal parking collection and insisted on measures to halt it promptly.
A proposal for multi-level parking in 10 number market was discussed in a BMC council meeting on Friday. Key participants included Congress corporator Ashok Maran and opposition corporator Devanshu Kansana. The meeting highlighted issues with the previous parking arrangements and illegal collections.
Congress corporator Ashok Maran explained the difficulties faced with the previous parking system. Corporator Devanshu Kansana also presented his perspective from the opposition.
"Vehicles are parked on the road in front of the multi-level parking of New Market," said corporator Yogendra Singh Guddu Chauhan. Corporator Pappu Vilas added, "Illegal collection is being done in the name of parking in New Market. Action should be taken."
During the meeting, uproar was witnessed as BJP Mandal President was alleged to have been involved in illegal collections. Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki made the accusation, prompting BJP corporators to rise from their seats in protest. Shabista Zaki further asserted that threats were being issued by the BJP Mandal President from the parking area and that illegal collections were taking place at the Board Club.
"Threats are given from BJP Mandal President Parking. Illegal collection is being done at the Board Club," stated Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki. The ruckus ensued for a considerable duration, highlighting the contentious atmosphere of the meeting.
