Raj Thackeray Urges Mumbai Civic Body to Charge Utility Fees on Adani and Ambani's Underground Cables

Raj Thackeray advocated for Mumbai's civic body to impose utility charges on underground cables of companies like those owned by Ambani and Adani. He also emphasized additional fees for non-local patients in civic hospitals. The civic body faces financial strain due to lost octroi revenues after the GST introduction.

In an assertive move, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has called for Mumbai's civic body to demand utility charges from companies like those owned by Ambani and Adani utilizing underground cables. The push aims to bolster the financial health of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is currently under financial strain.

Speaking to reporters post his meeting with BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Thackeray highlighted the need for implementing additional fees for patients from outside Mumbai and Maharashtra being treated at civic hospitals. He pointed out that the BMC's financial challenges were exacerbated by the cessation of octroi income following the GST implementation.

Furthermore, Thackeray emphasized the importance of adopting environmentally friendly practices by transitioning from plaster of Paris idols to eco-friendly clay, citing significant pollution concerns. This move aligns with the civic body's ongoing ban on PoP-made idols.