Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation Unveils Ambitious Rs3,224 Crore Draft Budget for 2026-27
In a significant move for urban development, Municipal Commissioner G. Sreekanth presented the draft budget for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Wednesday. The comprehensive financial plan features a substantial outlay of Rs3,224.4 crore, marking a strategic roadmap for the city's growth and sustainability.
Sustainability at the Core: Green Initiatives and Renewable Energy
The budget places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, introducing several pioneering measures. For the first time in CSMC's history, the civic body plans to issue green municipal bonds to raise capital exclusively for eco-friendly projects. A standout proposal is the allocation of Rs25 crore for a dedicated solar park, designed to provide a long-term renewable energy source for the city's new water supply scheme. Additionally, Rs1 crore has been earmarked for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city, promoting cleaner transportation options.
Infrastructure and Tourism Development: Enhancing Public Amenities
To bolster Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's status as the "tourism capital" of Maharashtra, the budget allocates Rs2 crore for pay-and-use public toilets and Rs1 crore for organizing a tourism festival. Following recent large-scale anti-encroachment drives, Rs20 crore has been set aside for road construction and infrastructure development in the cleared areas, ensuring better connectivity and urban planning.
The garden department receives Rs9.7 crore for developing new public parks and renovating existing ones. In a push for data-driven environmental management, the budget provides Rs5 crore for a GIS-based tree mapping system and Rs2.5 crore for a digital tree census, aiming to enhance green cover and biodiversity.
Animal Welfare and Public Health: Addressing Community Concerns
Addressing the rise in dog bite cases, the CSMC has proposed Rs1 crore for the sterilization of stray dogs and Rs50 lakh for a special dog-collaring project. The budget also includes Rs1 crore each for a pet park and a pet cemetery, along with Rs50 lakh for a dog shelter in Harsul, reflecting a holistic approach to animal welfare.
Education, Sports, and Modern Technology: Investing in the Future
The education sector receives a total allocation of Rs13.6 crore, including Rs5 crore for expanding municipal schools to improve access to quality education. For sports enthusiasts, Rs10 crore is earmarked for new playgrounds, with specific projects like a table tennis academy at Baijipura (Rs1.5 crore) and a dedicated ground for native sports at N-4 (Rs2.5 crore).
Furthermore, the budget introduces modern technology for civic maintenance, including Rs2.85 crore for robotic septic tank cleaners and Rs1 crore for a 17-metre firefighting ladder, enhancing public safety and efficiency.
Water Tax Hike Likely to Ensure Financial Sustainability
Commissioner G. Sreekanth hinted at a potential increase in water tax to ensure the city's water supply project operates on a "no-profit, no-loss" basis. Currently, the CSMC spends approximately Rs155 crore annually on the project, including Rs70 crore to Rs80 crore on electricity alone, forcing the civic body to cover significant deficits from its own funds. This measure aims to create a more sustainable financial model for essential services.
Next Steps: Review and Finalization Process
The draft budget will now undergo review by the mayor and the standing committee, who will incorporate suggestions from various corporators before final approval. Commissioner Sreekanth emphasized that this budget is "not merely a balance sheet of figures but a roadmap for the city's development," incorporating citizen feedback to accelerate urban progress and address ground-level needs effectively.
