Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) council on Friday unanimously approved four proposals and reached a consensus on converting leasehold properties in six localities into freehold properties with a final decision on conversion charges and other modalities deferred to a special meeting on Aug 18. The council also cleared the installation of high-mast lights at 35 locations and five high-yield tube wells to strengthen the city’s infrastructure.The decisions were taken at the 12th general meeting of the PMC council, chaired by mayor Sita Sahu and attended by deputy mayor Reshmi Kumari and municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena.The proposed freehold conversion covers plots, buildings and flats allotted on lease in Rajendra Nagar, Sri Krishna Puri, PIT Colony (Kankarbagh), Beur, Maurya Lok Complex and Transport Nagar. During the meeting, councillors sought details on the proposed fee structure, the number of properties eligible for conversion and the revenue likely to be generated for the civic body. The matter will be taken up for detailed discussion at a special meeting scheduled for Aug 18.Mayor Sita Sahu said revenue generated from the proposed conversion would be utilised for the development of PMC-owned land and civic infrastructure. She added that sanitation, public amenities and the overall well-being of residents were discussed extensively during the meeting.The council also approved the installation of high-mast lights at 35 locations under Hudco’s CSR initiative.To improve water supply, members approved the installation of high-yield tube wells at Bhanwar Pokhar (Ward 39), Atal Park (Ward 54), Sadaqat Ashram (Ward 22B), Ganga Vihar Colony (Ward 51) and the SDO office area in Ward 58. Each tube well is estimated to cost around Rs 1.35 crore.The council reviewed the city’s sanitation arrangements and approved action against three outsourcing agencies for allegedly failing to provide adequate manpower and drivers during the sanitation workers’ strike between July 30 and Aug 6. PMC has imposed penalties of around Rs 72 crore on the agencies. Board members also discussed ward-level civic issues and development works and directed officials to take necessary action.
