Lucknow: More than Rs 3,000 crore from urban local bodies (ULB) funds is set to be diverted to settle pending bills owed to various agencies for essential services. The amount will be deducted from the funds provided to local bodies through the state finance commission. According to directives issued by the urban development department, the bulk of the funds will be used to clear outstanding electricity bills.As the power department has intensified its drive to recover dues from defaulters, failing which services could be disrupted, immediate measures were taken to ensure civic services are not affected due to a lack of funds. Of the total Rs 3,363 crore to be deducted, Rs 2,250 crore (67%) will be paid to the power department.“Operating sewage treatment plants, waste disposal facilities and remediation plants round the clock requires substantial electricity consumption. Without power, these facilities cannot function. In addition, some electricity bills related to office buildings were pending for a long time, forcing us to take urgent measures,” said a senior officer of the department.The remaining amount will be used for the upgradation and maintenance of treatment plants in seven cities, while Rs 22.50 crore will be earmarked for agencies engaged in sterilisation of stray dogs and their upkeep at animal birth control centres.The money will be deducted from funds allocated to 762 urban local bodies to ensure that financial constraints do not hamper the day-to-day operations of civic bodies serving major cities, towns and developing urban areas across the state.
