Chandigarh, Aug. 28 -- In a much-needed reprieve for the cash-strapped Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC), the Union government on Wednesday approved an additional grant of Rs.125 crore, paving the way for resumption of several development projects that have been stalled since May last year. The financial bailout comes after repeated pleas by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla and municipal commissioner Amit Kumar, who had consistently urged UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to intervene and ensure allocation of additional funds for the civic body's smooth functioning. On August 19, the UT finance department had written to the Union government recommending the "re-appropriation of Rs.125 crore from the material and supplies head to the grant-in-aid head for release to the MC." The Union government, in a communication sent on Wednesday, confirmed its approval to the UT administration, clearing the decks for the transfer of funds. Mayor Babla welcomed the decision, and said, "This is a victory for BJP and the result of our persistent efforts. These funds will be utilised for conducting priority works, most importantly road carpeting across the city and repair of water and sewerage lines. I thank the Union government and UT administration for their support." The infusion of money is expected to end a prolonged financial deadlock that crippled the MC's ability to float fresh development tenders. Since May 2024, critical works such as solid waste management, door-to-door segregated collection, operation of garbage transfer station-cum-material recovery facilities, liquid and sludge waste treatment, horticulture waste processing, recarpeting of V3, V4, V5, and V6 category roads, maintenance of green belts, fire-fighting services, and repair of streetlights had been on hold. Around 250 km of city roads need urgent repair as they are in dire straits. Road recarpeting work, usually carried out during March-April and October-November due to favourable weather conditions, has remained suspended since May 2024. The civic body's annual shortfall has also affected its ability to meet basic commitments such as salaries, pensions, utility bills, maintenance works and fuel expenses. Notably, both former mayor Kuldeep Kumar Dhalor and incumbent mayor Babla had held multiple rounds of meetings with the UT administrator over the past year, pressing for an urgent bailout. However, until now, the administrator had repeatedly advised the MC to cut expenses and enhance revenue, leaving the civic body in a prolonged cash crunch. Hitesh Puri, chairman of CRAWFED, said, "The MC must ensure judicious use of these funds by strictly identifying priority works. Road recarpeting is the most urgent requirement as city roads are in the worst-ever condition. We haven't seen such a condition in Chandigarh in earlier times. Also, the money should be spent across the city in a fair and transparent manner, without any favouritism." MC commissioner Amit Kumar said, "We are grateful for the timely support from the Union government and the UT administration. This grant will help us reduce our deficit and immediately take up the most critical development works that have been stalled. Our foremost priority is the recarpeting and upkeep of city roads. At the same time, we are working on strengthening the MC's own revenue sources so that we can overcome the financial crisis in a sustainable manner." Congress president HS Lucky said, "The approval is too little and has come too late. For the past two to three years, residents have been suffering due to poor road conditions and the declining upkeep of the city. While the funds are welcome, the MC must ensure that the money is actually spent on development works and not merely diverted to clearing pending dues."...