LUCKNOW: Development work like building of roads and drains, establishing drinking water facilities and installation of streetlights has got stuck due to delay in approval of Lucknow Municipal Corporation's (LMC) budget for 2022-23.
The LMC executive committee had passed the budgetary proposals on May 4. However, money cannot be spent till the financial statement gets the approval of the LMC House. Usually, the budget is approved in March, but this year, it first got delayed due to Assembly polls and then due to delay in election of the executive committee. Now, health reasons of some key officers are said to be delaying the proceedings.
When asked about problems caused by the delay, corporators said that even some of the projects already running were stopped because of non-payment, and new work cannot be started as the corporators' development fund of Rs 1.15 crore has not been released.
Corporator from Bashiratganj ward Amit Choudhary said, "Submersible pump in my area is not working properly because the water level has gone down. Therefore, we have to install a new submersible pump but lack of funds is causing delay."
Similarly, corporator from Mankameshwar ward Rekh Roshni said, "Drains and allies in my ward are broken. People come to my house with complaints everyday and even threaten not to vote for me in the election."
The public doesn't understand the fact that corporators' funds have not come yet, she added.
"Construction work on two roads in my area has been stopped by the contractors due to non-payment. We can't do anything other than hope for approval of funds soon," said Rajajipuram corporator Rajesh Malviya.
Ayajurahman and Devendra Yadav, corporators of Garhi Peer Kha and Alambagh, respectively, have cited similar issues. All corporators demand a quick resolution from the House.
Officers said that the proposals are yet to be signed by the municipal commissioner and the mayor, and thereafter will be tabled in the House.
Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia said, "We have sought proceedings of the proposed budget. The House is likely to be called in next week for final approval of the budget."
