Initiatives taken up to generate funds for developmental works: Solan Mayor Usha Sharma

Being acclaimed as the fastest growing city of Himachal, Solan was upgraded into a municipal corporation from a municipal council in 2020. While the upgrade was supposed to fetch additional Central funds, it has failed to find the much-needed grant under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. This was despite the fact that eight other urban local bodies received Rs 154.07 crore for augmenting water supply works.

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The Tribune interview: Usha Sharma, Solan Municipal Corporation Mayor

It recently attained 12th rank in the state in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 while slipping from the top position it had attained in 2022. Solan scored 2,063 points in 2023 against 2,962 in 2022. It slipped in zonal ranking from 31st to 147th rank among the northern states.

Solan was the capital of the princely state of Baghat. It is named after Hindu Goddess Shoolini Devi who is a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is known for quality mushroom and is also acclaimed as Mushroom City of India.

Usha Sharma, Mayor, Solan Municipal Corporation, shared her vision on development of the city and problems plaguing it in an interaction with Ambika Sharma. Having assumed office in December 2023, she was trying to put her ideas into reality to develop it adequately.

What are your priorities for developing Solan city into a model MC?

Soon after taking over in December 2023, I have laid stress on ensuring planned development of the city apart from taking up its beautification. I’ve taken up this issue with various authorities like the railways staff who have been asked to remove shanties which have sprung up along the railway track as they add to filth. They have also been asked to ensure that the broken retaining walls are repaired and timely lopping of the trees is undertaken. No objection certificates have been sought from the public works department as well as NHAI to take up tasks like paintings on the walls depicting the culture of Solan. On our part, the sanitary staff has been directed to ensure regular cleanliness of the drains so that they do not overflow and spread filth in the rains.

Residents of the merged areas comprising eight rural hamlets which were added to the MC in 2020 are awaiting better civic amenities. What is being done to improve the basic facilities in these areas?

Several steps have been taken to improve civic amenities in the merged areas. While power infrastructure was being enhanced by erecting more power poles, it was being ensured that door-to-door garbage collection and adequate water supply is being given to these areas. The councillors representing these areas are ensuring that all essential services were smoothly being provided in these areas and the problems are sorted out.

The property tax as per the revised rates is yet to be calculated. It is due from April 2023 and any delay will put a heavy monetary burden on the residents. By when will this tax be evaluated?

A private firm Aryabhatta Geo-informatics and Space Application Centre had begun assessment of property tax in September 2023 as per the new rates. The task was slated to be completed by January-end but owing to inclement weather as well as an audit being conducted in the civic body it has been extended by a few days. The assessment would be completed by month-end. Once the task is accomplished, the bills would be raised to the residents. They will be given an option of submitting them in installments rather them burdening them with a single installment.

Encroachment is a major issue in the city where absence of an stringent action by the civic body seems to have emboldened wrongdoers. How do you propose to check the growing encroachments?

The MC is keen to check encroachments in the city. The field, staff comprising junior engineer and assistant engineers, have been directed to ensure that those who indulge in encroachments are not given a no objection certificates for undertaking any construction. They have been asked to visit construction sites and ensure that constructions were as per the approved maps.

The Congress had come to power promising water at the rate of Rs 100 per household. It has failed to keep the promise and residents complain that they have been cheated. Do you plan to fulfil this promise?

This issue has been taken up with the state government but our proposal was not accepted as it involved huge finances. Since it was a poll promise, I will once again urge the local MLA and minister for Health and Family Welfare DR Shandil to pursue it with the government.

The MC has failed to complete the parking project coming up at railway road besides initiating any new project. How you propose to address parking woes?

New parking projects and completion of railways road parking project requires additional funds. Since no funds were available for these projects presently, efforts are afoot to seek financial aid from the state government to address this key problem.

How do you propose to generate more funds especially when the Centre stresses on income generation in the civic bodies?

Several initiatives have been taken up to generate funds. This includes erecting hoarding and outsourcing LED screens for advertising. Additionally, Public Works Department has been asked to give no objection certificates to mark yellow lines on the roads where parking can be created and funds can be generated. We will also earn from charging property tax on new rates once it is finalised.