Innovative projects on BMC wish list

While no big ticket projects or schemes were announced in the budget for the year, BMC chief Ajoy Mehta did launch a few innovative projects and plans, such as the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus and BMC headquarter at Fort will soon be illuminated with decorative lights.

Similarly, a new viewing gallery at Malabar Hill, where one can get a clear view of the Queen's Necklace, were part of the budget announcements.

The budget also made provisions for a revamp of the Maharashtra Rifle Association's (MRA) shooting range at Worli. A provision of Rs2 crore has been made for the shooting range's revamp. The BMC has also proposed to set up a new human milk bank at the civic-run Rajawadi and Ambedkar hospitals.

A toy library for kids enrolled in BMC-run play schools will also be set up to attract students to go to school, and Rs1.76 crore has been allotted for the purpose. A new energy park at Kandivali and a traffic park at Ghatkopar are also on the BMC's to-do list this year.

In a boost for the fire brigade, Mehta announced that the brigade would create a force of 6,000 trained volunteers to help in crisis situations. The civic body will also purchase 17 quick-response multi-purpose vehicles at a cost of Rs31,96 crore to ensure that the fire brigade can respond quickly to disasters. Rs10 crore has been kept aside to light up BMC headquarters, listed as a heritage structure.

Having world-class street signs and direction boards is also on BMC's wish list. Rs 7 crore has been kept aside for signs and boards.