‘Council collects approx. one crore’
Dimapur, May 25 (EMN): The People for Democratic Rights (PDR) has questioned the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) as to where and how the amount being collected from toll tax is utilized.
A press release issued by the PDR publicity wing on Friday stated that the ‘Better Dimapur’ project would only consume a meagre amount as compared to the toll tax collected and the huge developmental projects undertaken during the previous officer’s tenure.
“Per month, the DMC is collecting a total amount of INR 1 crore approximately only out of toll tax excluding house rents, trade licenses and other incomes,” the press release stated.
The PDR questioned whether VIPs were hoarding it or there was mismanagement within the DMC. The PDR said it will seriously look into the issue.
The PDR said public of Dimapur have not been getting their due share of development from the DMC unlike the last 2-4 years when developmental projects were at its peak at every nook and corner of municipal area.
The PDR pointed out that the drainage system in Dimapur is deplorable but there has no pre-monsoon preparedness to tackle floods and clogged drainages.
Any amount of beautification undertaken would be rendered meaningless when drainage and sewage flows onto roads, it added. The PDR recommended immediate need to take preventive and corrective measures to see that the city drainage system does not come back to haunt the public with displacement of homes.
Criticising that the DMC under current dispensation appears to be lack in vision and ability to handle the needs of the city, the PDR said ‘mindless and reckless developmental works just to show activity can result in a future catastrophe for the citizens.’
A press release also mentioned that the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has expressed satisfaction on the “commendable development works” undertaken by the DMC through the fund derived from toll tax collection.
The NCD along with various organisations appealed the government for abolishing lessee system so that toll tax collection was done directly by the DMC and to make the new system permanent.
Stating that public had witnessed developmental activities like construction of roads, bridges, drainages, box culverts among others in the past year, the NCD said DMC is still collecting toll tax on its own but many such developmental activities remain to be undertaken in many parts of Municipal jurisdiction.
Since last year, the council stated that developmental activities have almost come to standstill except the “Better Dimapur” project which is minimal and a stark contrast to the wide appreciation given to DMC by numerous colonies and wards being published in local dailies.
