Rs 160 crore boost for Vasai-Virar development plans

The newly formed Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) had not been carrying out developmental work citing paucity of funds. However, it is now left with no excuse as the state Urban Development department (UD) has asked the City Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) to transfer the development charges of Rs 160 crore collected by it to the VVMC.

Since 1991, Cidco was the planning authority for Vasai, Virar and Nalasopara as the government did not trust the municipal councils. However, after the VVMC was formed last year, UD realised that Cidco was not paying much attention to these areas and concentrating only on Navi Mumbai. Cidco was removed as the special planning authority for Vasai-Virar by chief minister Ashok Chavan a few weeks ago.

On Friday, UD principal secretary T C Benjamin asked Cidco to transfer the Rs 160 crore fund to VVMC. The corporation was told to utilise the fund for civic infrastructure like development of roads and not for staff salaries.

Sourced from The Times of India article appearing on 22nd July, 2010.