Patiala, October 19: The Patiala Development Authority (PDA) has spent over Rs 100 crore on the maintenance of Urban Estates developed by it in the past 25 years. However, the developmental authority is required to entrust the responsibility of maintaining the estates to the urban local body as per the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act. The three colonies have not been entrusted to the Municipal Corporation Patiala so far.
Spends Rs 94 cr on colonies till 2022–23
According to PDA sources, Housing and Urban Development Department had developed Phase 1, 2 and 3 in Patiala from 1985 to 1995 that were later handed over to the PDA. The latter has carried out maintenance works since then. Till 2022-23, the PDA has spent Rs 94 crore on maintenance of the colonies including civil, electrical and public health works, which otherwise are not PDA’s responsibility.
PDA faces fund shortage
Due to this, the authority has been facing an acute shortage of funds. An official said, “We are to spend Rs 10 crore on maintenance of the colonies by the end of fiscal year 2023-24. In case the government fails to shift these areas to the local body, the department will have to spend around Rs 172 crore on maintenance during the next 10 years.” The PDA is also carrying-out the work of maintenance of Urban Estate Phase-4. “There are no funds to carry-out new planned development,” official added.