Chandigarh: The municipal corporation (MC), Chandigarh, is set to auction 20 commercial properties in Manimajra, including booths and showrooms, as part of its efforts to boost revenue. The civic body has constituted a special committee to determine reserve prices and finalise the terms and conditions for the disposal of these properties.Sources said about 80 commercial properties are lying vacant in Manimajra and will be auctioned in phases. The first batch of 20 properties will be put up for e-auction after the committee completes its assessment.“Several parameters are considered while fixing reserve prices, with the prevailing collector rate being one of the key factors. The committee will evaluate all financial aspects before finalising the reserve price. The disposal will be carried out through e-auction, and bidders will be given adequate time to participate,” MC sources said.The auction is seen as crucial for augmenting the MC’s own revenue. Given their location in prominent commercial areas, the civic body expects strong interest from buyers and substantial returns from the exercise.“Earlier, the MC failed to dispose of commercial properties in the Sector 17 underbridge area and booths near the Sector 17-22 underpass. However, we are optimistic about the Manimajra properties as they are situated in busy commercial pockets with significant public footfall. Depending on the response and revenue generated from these 20 properties, the remaining vacant properties in the area may also be auctioned later,” an MC official told TOI.Meanwhile, the MC has also completed the bidding process for the lone remaining kiosk at the food street. “Of the four kiosks at the food street, one was yet to be allotted. The bidding process for that kiosk has now been completed,” an official said.
