HP Cabinet okays SADA merger with Shimla MC

Shimla, Aug 5 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet today decided to merge Special Area Development Authorities (SADAs) of Dhalli, New Shimla (Kasumpti) and Totu with the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC), official sources today said.

The decision to merger the SADA areas with the SMC was taken at a Cabinet meeting, which was held here under the chairmanship of state Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

The sources said the decision of the merger was aimed at creating best civil amenities to the people of these areas.

The merged areas would also get funds for their beautification and improvement of infrastructure in these areas under the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), which was being implemented in 63 cities and towns, including Shimla, of the country.

The sources said the Cabinet also decided to exempt these areas from the municipal taxes for the next two years from the date of notification of the merger.

The water and other charges of the merged areas shall be at rates applicable in other areas of the corporation from the time of its merger, the sources said.

The Cabinet also decided to amend entry number two of the schedule appended to the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Rules, 2005, to ensure uniformity in the implementation of the tax throughout the state for the benefit of the traders.

It also approved the setting up of Police Stations at Baddi and Barotiwala, in Nalagarh Sub-Division of District Solan to maintain law and order in the industrial areas, the sources said.

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