RMC proposes hike in charges to mop up Rs 95cr

Rajkot: With a clear focus on completing long-pending civic infrastructure projects rather than announcing major new ones, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Wednesday presented its draft budget of Rs 3,595 crore for the financial year 2026–27, proposing a tax increase of Rs 95 crore through higher door-to-door garbage collection charges and water tariffs.However, sources indicated that the political wing of the corporation is unlikely to approve the proposed tax hike, considering the upcoming election of the civic body, as a similar proposal was rejected last year.Under the draft budget, the annual door-to-door garbage collection charge for residential properties is proposed to increase from Rs 365 to Rs 800, while the charge for non-residential properties may rise from Rs 1,460 to Rs 3,200.Similarly, water charges for residential properties are proposed to go up from Rs 1,500 per year to Rs 2,400, and for non-residential properties from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,800, starting next financial year.Municipal commissioner Tushar Sumera said that RMC processed nearly 16 lakh tonnes of legacy waste over the past few years, and the remaining 7.5 lakh tonnes will be cleared soon.The draft budget also lists several long-term infrastructure projects that remain works in progress from previous years. With a focus on sports infrastructure ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, RMC completed an international-level sports complex with a capacity of 1,200 spectators in ward 12. Another sports complex is currently under construction in ward 17. The civic body proposed developing sports facilities in all three zones during 2026–27 under a public-private partnership model. Under this arrangement, RMC will provide land, while private partners will handle design, development, management, and maintenance.The budget also highlights progress on the lion safari park being developed near Pradhyuman Park Zoo. According to the proposal, most of the work — including the compound wall, fencing, internal roads, and entry gates — is completed. The lion safari is expected to begin operations in the next financial year, subject to regulatory approvals.The proposed new infra projects in FY 2026–27 include completing the work of seven new fire stations announced in the last budget. A Turntable Ladder (TL) with a height of 50 metres will be procured for better firefighting.