NDMC mulling imposing usage charge on firms to boost revenue

Seeking to boost its revenue generation, cash-strapped North Delhi Municipal Corporation is mulling imposing usage charge on telecom firms and other companies, which use roads, footpaths and streetlight poles in areas falling under the civic body.
The idea has been conceived by North Delhi Mayor Ravinder Gupta, who has taken the cue from similar projects run by municipal bodies in Pune, Bangalore and Bhopal.
"The departments of these companies lay down optical wires network under corporation roads, and so by imposing usage charges on these departments, the corporation can earn revenue of Rs 5,000 crore approximately each year," Gupta today claimed.

By implementing such projects, the financial condition of the corporation will also improve, he said.
"The corporation will also provide space for installation of at least four ATMs in each of its building if they have space. This way not only the citizens would get services at their doorstep, but the corporation (NDMC) will also earn nearly Rs 140 crore of revenue per year," he added.
When contacted, a senior official of the NDMC said, "The idea is in its infancy right now and the Mayor has merely proposed a measure seeking to boost the corporation's revenue.