New Delhi: Councillors told the standing committee on Wednesday that Municipal Corporation of Delhi needed to present a unified position before the Supreme Court on toll tax collection at Delhi’s border points. Committee chairperson Satya Sharma said a special meeting of all councillors and senior officials would soon be convened to discuss key aspects so that a positive case could be placed before the court. During a meeting, councillor Rajpal Singh said Supreme Court had taken note of the concerns related to pollution and traffic congestion at MCD’s toll plazas. Proposing formation of a committee to prepare a comprehensive stand, he urged that a meeting be convened at the earliest to focus on the matter, which is likely to come up before Supreme Court next week.
Singh told TOI that the toll gave MCD an annual revenue of Rs 900 crore. “It is the lifeline of MCD. A committee should be formed and engineers should prepare a project that addresses pollution and traffic congestion while ensuring toll collection,” he emphasised.Committee chairperson Sharma clarified that any closure of toll collection would have a direct adverse impact on MCD’s revenue, affecting civic services and development works. “A balanced solution is essential in the interest of both citizens and MCD.” The court has directed authorities to examine options such as temporary closure, relocation of toll plazas or revenue-sharing mechanisms to improve traffic flow and reduce pollution at border points.Among 21 other proposals, seven were approved, one was rejected and the rest were postponed. Among the deferred items was a proposal to establish a medical college with an associated hospital on the premises of Rajan Babu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis premises in Kingsway Camp. The committee approved the extension of the last date for the one-time property tax amnesty scheme for 2025-26.
