Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has publicly attributed the slowdown in civic development projects across the city to the non-release of ₹250 crore in central government funds owed for the 2025-26 financial year. Officials raised the issue during a recent council session, stressing that key infrastructure works are being delayed because the Union government has yet to transfer the committed funds, slowing execution of planned schemes.
During discussions at the Ripon Building headquarters, BJP councillor Uma Anandan highlighted growing concerns over the corporation’s finances, noting that the initially projected budget deficit of ₹378 crore had surged to a revised figure of ₹1,669 crore — a more than 340 % increase — partly due to the absence of the awaited central allocation. She also questioned the budgeting for stormwater drain projects, suggesting discrepancies in spending claims.
Replying to the criticism, Deputy Mayor M. Mahesh Kumar emphasised that while many stormwater drain works in the city’s core areas are nearing completion, several peripheral projects in localities such as Perungudi, Sholinganallur, Ernavoor and Manali remain stalled until the central funds arrive. Councillors from other parties also voiced disappointment over insufficient allocations for sectors like health and education in the upcoming budget, arguing that pressing civic needs are being sidelined due to the fiscal crunch.
News as reported
