Ruckus mars Shimla councillors’ meeting

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 29

The Shimla Municipal Corporation’s last monthly meeting witnessed a ruckus with councillors accusing some others of interference in their wards. All etiquette were thrown out of window as many resorted to making personal remarks and name-calling. Mayor Satya Kaundal appealed to the councillors to maintain the dignity of the House and not to interfere in others’ wards.

The uproar started when Totu and Boileauganj councillors accused the Majath ward councillor of intruding into their wards and carrying out some work which was denied by the latter. Later, the Bharari ward councillor accused a nominated councillor of closing a road and interfering in the development work in her ward, leading to a face-off between the two.

In the midst of this din, some councillors raised the issue of water supply and inflated collective bills. “My ward was chosen for a pilot project for the 24×7 water supply. Leave alone the continuous water supply, my ward is getting water every third day,” said Totu councillor Vivek Sharma.

As for the inflated water bills, an SJPNL representative said of the 315 bills of more than Rs 10,000, 152 meters had been checked.

“Billing in all, except three meters checked so far, has been found correct. The corrections in three bills will be made soon,” he said.

Amid the ruckus, the House approved development works like ambulance roads, parkings, book café and streetlights.