NDMC TO ENHANCE ROADS AND INSTALL SMART STREET LIGHTS

Why in the news?

The New Delhi Municipal Council is investing in road resurfacing, smart street lights, and updated signage to improve infrastructure, safety, and efficiency in the city’s urban landscape.

NDMC TO ENHANCE ROADS AND INSTALL SMART STREET LIGHTS - UPSCsource:toi

Highlights of the NDMC to Upgrade Road Infrastructure and Install Smart Street Lights:

Road Infrastructure Upgrades:

  • NDMC approved a ₹4.9 crore project for resurfacing internal roads.
  • ₹4.72 crore agreement with Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) for road maintenance and rehabilitation.
  • CRRI will provide technical guidance, conduct periodic surveys, and ensure quality control on road resurfacing.
  • ₹18.07 crore project approved for replacing green road signages with blue ones in New Delhi.

Smart Street Lights Installation:

  • NDMC spent ₹26.5 crore on installing 8,000 smart, energy-efficient LED street lights.
  • The new lights will feature remote control capabilities for improved management.
  • The upgrade aims to enhance pedestrian safety, especially at night.
Understanding the Legislative Framework for New Delhi Municipal Council:

Background:

  • A new law was recommended to govern NDMC for better organisation and functioning.
  • Old Punjab Municipal Act, 1911, required updates to align with the Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act.
  • Differences between NDMC and Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, highlighted the need for uniformity.

Objectives:

New Legislation:

  • Repeal the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911.
  • Establish a new law for the New Delhi Municipal Council.

Uniformity:

  • Align building regulations, revenue, and budgetary provisions with those of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Constitutional Harmonisation:

  •  Amend laws to comply with the Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1992.
  • Implement necessary exemptions and modifications to meet constitutional requirements.

Implementation:

  • The Ordinance was promulgated on 25th May, 1994.
  • The National Capital Territory of Delhi includes MCD, NDMC, and Cantonment Board.
  • The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, was amended in August 1994.
  • A distinct legal system was proposed for NDMC, reflecting its unique characteristics within the National Capital Territory.

NDMC Launches Warm LED Street Lights and Electric Vehicles:

Warm LED Street Lights:

  • NDMC introduces warm white LED street lights in India.
  • These lights emit less blue light, enhancing safety and energy efficiency.
  • Expected to save over 15 MW of peak demand.

Electric Vehicles:

  • India aims to shift to electric vehicles by 2030 to combat air pollution and reduce oil dependence.
  • NDMC procures 32 electric vehicles through EESL to support this transition.