Varanasi: The ‘Shiv Stotra’ (praise of Lord Shiv) will play on public address systems from 5:30 am daily throughout the Shrawan month at 55 major intersections across the city, it was decided during executive committee meeting of Varanasi Municipal Corporation chaired by Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, on Tuesday.The committee also asked municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal to ensure immediate and effective action in several issues related to public interest, civic amenities and the slow pace of development projects raised by councillors and executive members. The committee directed officials to improve basic facilities in service settlements, present details of works started under the Chief Minister Nagar Srijan Yojana and carry out chemical treatment to protect municipal building records from termites.The committee approved a one-time settlement scheme for defaulters of house tax, water tax and sewer tax from Aug 15 to Dec 15 while those paying principal dues in one go will get 100% waiver on interest and surcharge. Defaulters with dues up to Rs 1 lakh will be allowed to deposit one-third within 30 days and remaining amount in two monthly installments.The committee also instructed Nagpal to remain on high alert during Shrawan and in view of possible flooding. Arrangements for smooth movement of Kanwariyas, rest areas and free 24-hour public toilet facilities were also ordered. With the water levels of the Ganga and Varuna rising, administration was asked to be flood-prepared with relief camps providing clean drinking water, beds, food and sanitation facilities. A progress report was sought on plantation drive and installation of tree guards.Increase in remuneration for outsourced computer operators, data analysts, programmers and IT specialists got approval, while details were sought on CSR funds received.Early disposal of pending birth and death certificate cases and framing of effective penalty rules against those obstructing roads by placing bricks, sand or gravel on public roads also got approval. Residential building owners carrying out construction work will remain exempt from this penalty.Implementation of rainwater harvesting, maintenance of streetlights installed by private contractors and action against agencies failing to meet contract terms were directed. Ward-wise details of drain cleaning and expenditure on park beautification were demanded.The committee ordered removal of illegal encroachments from dharamshalas and rest houses along the Panchkoshi route .Members raised concerns over unauthorised unipole advertisements, incomplete Jal Kal and engineering department projects, renovation of dhobi ghats, expenditure on wall paintings, quality check of work under 15th Finance Commission.The committee approved changes under the UP Municipal Corporation Property Tax Fifth Amendment Rules. Micro and small industrial units will be taxed on a par with hostels and educational institutions. Industrial units, star hotels, resorts, registered tourism units and govt or public sector offices will be taxed three times the prescribed rate. For medium and large industries, the rate has been reduced from five times to three times.
