Central assistance sought for Shimla's rejuvenation

Shimla Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar Wednesday met officials of the urban development ministry in New Delhi and sought liberal assistance to maintain the glory of the Queen of Hills, as Shimla was fondly called by the British.

"A charter of demands comprising continuation of projects sanctioned under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission and sanctioning of new projects to improve infrastructure was submitted to the ministry," Panwar told IANS over phone.

He apprised the officials that the civic body had limited income generation resources and it was difficult for it to provide essential services to the people.

"It would be difficult to meet up to the growing demands in providing quality water and sanitation, basic services for urban poor and maintenance of roads in absence of liberal central assistance," Panwar said.

He demanded to allow the civic body to resubmit detailed project report about strengthening water supply distribution and sewerage network in the town on the current prices.

Shimla was planned for a maximum population of 16,000. But today it is home to 194,420 people as per the 2011 census.