Maharashtra sanctions Rs 50 crore: New Ulhasnagar civic HQ to replace crumbling old building

THANE: The state govt released a fund of Rs 50 crore as the first instalment through the Urban Development Department to build a new multi-storey building by demolishing the dangerous headquarters of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC).The UMC's headquarters is 42 years old, and its condition is now dangerous, with plaster frequently falling from the building. In such a situation, the UMC, as well as local representatives, were demanding a new headquarters for the last few years.Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde said that due to the dilapidated condition of the building and in view of the demand of the local representatives, the Urban Development Department sanctioned Rs 50 crore as the first instalment, and further funds will be given as needed for this multi-storey headquarters building.Earlier, MLA Kumar Ailani was demanding Rs 200 crore for the construction of the building for the last few years. Recently, during the Thane District Planning Committee meeting, he raised this issue in front of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, saying around 700 civic staff, including the UMC commissioner's life, is in threat as the building has become dangerous.In this meeting, UMC Commissioner Manisha Awhale said that they have an alternative option to shift the headquarters so that a new building can be constructed at the same place. After this, the govt provided a fund, making way clear for the construction of the new building.