Merger of SADA areas with MC to accelerate development: Thakur

Shimla, July 18 (UNI) The merger of Special Area Development Authority (SADA) areas with Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) will accelerate development of these areas, which were otherwise neglected under the authority, state's Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) Minister Kaul Singh Thakur today claimed.

''The SADA areas had seen accelerated development during the period they were a part of the corporation before being brought under the authority when all development works came to a standstill,'' he said, while addressing a press conference here.

Mr Singh said besides increasing the pace of development of these areas after their merger with the corporation, these areas would also benefit from the funds under the Jawahar lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JLNURM), which was being implemented for the beautification of the state capital.

The multi-crore JLNURM project would restore Shimla pristine glory by constructing tunnels, creating parking space, developing infrastructural facilities, widening of roads and decongestion of the town by developing satellite townships.

Replying to a question whether SADA areas were being brought within the municipal corporation only to fulfill the eligibility conditions of the JLNRUM scheme, he said the scheme would help in the development of these areas with more funds available under the mission.

UNI AS HS PA RK1605