The 41st council meeting of the Kataka Municipal Corporation (KMC), chaired by Mayor Subash Singh, turned heated on Friday as corporators raised strong objections over the alleged improper utilisation of funds under the Chief Minister’s Urban Development Scheme and persistent basic infrastructure failures across the city.
Nearly ₹66 crore had been allocated under the scheme for developmental works. Corporators pointed out that projects in multiple wards remain incomplete or half-finished, while work orders in several areas have faced unexplained delays. Accusing irregularities in fund utilisation, several corporators rose from their seats in protest, briefly disrupting the proceedings.
Corporator J. Kameswar Rao strongly criticised the civic body over the dire condition of Nimapur basti in Jagatpur. He highlighted the lack of toilets, clean drinking water, proper lighting and damaged roads under the ongoing rehabilitation project, questioning why KMC has remained a silent spectator while residents are deprived of basic amenities.
Some members also demanded detailed accounts of expenditure on events such as Raja Mahotsav and the book fair. The chair assured that a special discussion would be held on the matter.
The house stressed the urgent need to repair non-functional street lights and install new ones. With Ganesh Puja and the famous Durga Puja approaching, corporators demanded immediate road repairs on major stretches so that processions and devotees face no hurdles. KMC assured that the works would be expedited.
Discussions also covered problems at the Urban Haat and overall city beautification. The council resolved to send proposals to the state government seeking construction of a new bridge from Ringbandh to Bhuashuni Peeth and heritage status for the land associated with *Utkal Deepika*, Odisha’s first newspaper, located at Dargha Bazaar. It further decided to apprise the government of the plan to relocate about 800 families from the Pattapol area into eight multi-storeyed buildings.
Members voiced concerns on sanitation, roads, healthcare services and drainage. Plans for Local Self-Government Day and the upcoming 150th anniversary celebrations of KMC also figured in the deliberations.
KMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, Deputy Mayor Damayanti Majhi, departmental officials and corporators attended the meeting.
