A change in how Ahmedabad corporators are using municipal discretionary funds has sparked debate over civic spending priorities. Instead of the traditional practice of installing branded public benches, corporators are increasingly using ward development grants for decorative sculptures and artworks at traffic junctions.In Asarwa ward alone, ₹35 lakh has been sanctioned for installing sculptures at five intersections, raising questions over whether beautification projects should take priority over basic civic infrastructure and public amenities.
₹35 Lakh Approved for Five Asarwa Junctions
The Municipal Corporation introduced corporator grants to address local civic issues and meet small-scale infrastructure needs in wards. While senior office-bearers such as the Mayor receive higher allocations, the broader objective is to improve public amenities at the local level.However, the increasing allocation of funds towards beautification and decorative projects has led to scrutiny over how these grants are being prioritised.The Road Committee recently approved a proposal to spend ₹35 lakh on sculptures at five traffic circles in Asarwa ward. Residents and civic observers have questioned whether such expenditure on street art is justified when several areas continue to require attention to essential civic services and infrastructure.
Junctions Turned into Beautification Spots
The development reflects a wider trend in several municipal wards, where traffic junctions are being redesigned as landscaped circles featuring decorative artworks and sculptures.While such projects can improve the visual appeal of public spaces, the spending has triggered a debate over whether discretionary development funds should focus more on essential civic needs.
Questions Over Contract Allocation
The process of awarding contracts for these beautification projects has also come under scrutiny in civic circles. Questions have been raised over the quotation and allocation process and the transparency of spending from corporator development funds.
The growing expenditure on sculptures has therefore sparked a larger debate over whether ward development grants are being used for projects that provide maximum public benefit or are increasingly being directed towards cosmetic beautification works.