TV
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), in its 32nd General Council meeting, announced a series of citizen-centric decisions aimed at easing public service access and improving urban infrastructure.
Among the most significant announcements was the introduction of a system that will allow city residents to pay various municipal taxes via WhatsApp, eliminating the need to visit BMC offices or ward offices.
This digital initiative is designed to make tax payments more accessible and efficient. The platform will be available in both Odia and English, ensuring ease of use for a wide demographic.
“Many people are unable to pay their holding taxes due to time constraints or other factors. Since everyone has a mobile phone nowadays, this new initiative will enable them to pay taxes and obtain trade certificates through WhatsApp,” said BMC Mayor Sulochana Das.
Saheed Nagar Haat to Open Soon
Another key announcement during the meeting was that the long-awaited Saheed Nagar haat (marketplace) is set to be allotted shortly. The BMC stated that construction and setup work is nearly complete, and arrangements are on for providing shed infrastructure to support small traders and vendors and protect their stalls and goods.
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Other Key Initiatives:
The corporation approved a plan to conduct a citywide dog census. Officials also revealed that several advertising agencies have failed to clear their dues. Notices have been served to these agencies, and if payments are not made within the stipulated time, legal action will be initiated against them.
Addressing monsoon preparedness, the council discussed desilting of major drains and installation of slabs over open drains in various parts of the city to reduce waterlogging and improve pedestrian safety.
