A review meeting for the schemes and programmes of urban development and AMRUT for three districts of Baleswar, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj was held here on Friday. The meeting was attended by the Executive Officers of all seven municipalities and five Notified Area Councils of the three districts.
Housing and Urban Development Department Secretary G Mathivathanan presiding over the meeting stressed on enhancement of revenue of these local self government bodies besides acceleration of implementation of various developmental works under the urban development and AMRUT schemes.
Emphasis was laid on collection of taxes including holding and commercial establishment taxes and registration of shops. Collection of hundred per cent holding tax in the urban areas was stressed upon. Besides, importance was given for solid waste management including separation of solid waste from other garbage and its disposal.
Mathivathanan directed the officials to construct dumping yards in different pockets which can accommodate wastes up to five tonnes. The establishments which produce more than 100 kg of wastes in a day were asked to manage their own wastes under supervision of the urban authorities.
It was stated at the meeting that public toilets in the thickly-populated areas should be constructed and their management should be made through either NGOs or private industries.
Collectors of Baleswar, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj districts Pramod Das, Gyana Das and Surendra Kumar Meena, respectively, were also present at the meeting. The DRDA Project Directors of the districts also participated in the discussions.