Diwali stalls fetch MC Rs32 lakh

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

Despite Covid, the Municipal Corporation earned the highest revenue of Rs32 lakh from the fee generated for allowing stalls in markets and challans issued against those operating without permission during Diwali.

The revenue generated is about 25 per cent more than the last year. The MC generated Rs29 lakh by giving permission to shopkeepers and vendors for three or seven days for putting up stalls ahead of Diwali. The corporation generally earns about Rs23-24 lakh from such permissions each year during the festival.

Besides, the MC had started a special drive against those who had not taken any permission for putting up stalls in different parts of the city. The enforcement wing and staff from other wings was deputed on the job. They issued challans to violators to the tune of Rs2.80 lakh. Those who had not taken permission were charged double. Those who had increased the stall area to more than the permitted limit were also fined.

Maximum violations were found in Mani Majra and challans worth Rs70,000 were issued. In total, the civic body could fetch Rs32 lakh from fines and permission for stalls.

“This time we earned the highest revenue. Since there was a ban on the sale of crackers in the UT, many vendors had shifted to other kind of stalls. The market had just opened after the Covid-induced lockdown. So, traders and vendors wanted to make the most of the time,” said an MC official.

On the other hand, the MC was criticised for widespread encroachment in parking lots and corridors. In Sector 19 only, it allotted stalls to 460 persons leaving little space for visitors to even walk.