The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Standing Committee today approved the draft budget for 2024-25 with partial amendments and additions, marking a record-breaking Rs 8,873 crore budget. This represents a Rs 155 crore increase from the initial draft.
Increased focus on key areas:
- Healthcare: The budget prioritizes health with significant allocations for hospitals and medical facilities.
- Infrastructure: Bridge construction, hydraulic projects, and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) receive special attention.
- Vending policy: Recognizing the concerns of street vendors, the budget outlines a new policy for temporary vending permissions at fairs and on municipal plots.
Property tax relief:
To benefit city residents, the budget reiterates a Rs 184 crore property tax relief, including a 100% interest waiver for 2.97 lakh residential properties and a 50% interest rebate for over 72,000 non-residential properties.
Zonal development:
Plans for new projects across zones include lake gardens, swimming pools, cricket grounds, gardens, and auditoriums. The budget acknowledges the Zone Department's revenue contribution and appreciates their performance.
Water infrastructure:
New water works projects aim to address water needs in surrounding areas like Sachin, Kanakpur, Pardi, and Limbayat. A limited-capacity water treatment plant is planned for the Central Zone, and a 25 MLD Suez Treatment Plant is designed for wastewater treatment in the Drainage Department.
Drainage & sanitation:
Construction of an RCC box culvert on Chaprabhatha-Kosad creek is included to improve drainage and sanitation.
Overall, the approved budget prioritizes infrastructure development, public welfare, and addressing key concerns like vending and sanitation. Partial amendments ensure focused spending on crucial areas, leading to a budget that aims to improve the lives of Surat residents.
