Tiruchi Corporation to boost UGD deposit collection to bridge ₹106-crore deficit

Tiruchi Corporation aims to boost UGD deposit collection to address a ₹106-crore budget deficit and improve city infrastructure.

Tiruchi Corporation plans to bridge the deficit in its Budget 2026-27 by intensifying the collection of deposits for underground drainage (UGD) connections, Mayor M. Anbazhagan said during a discussion on the Corporation Budget on Tuesday.

The Budget projects a total revenue at ₹1,248.37 crore and expenditure at ₹1,355.12 crore, resulting in a deficit of ₹106.75 crore. This is the second consecutive year that the civic body has tabled a deficit budget.

Mayor Anbazhagan said that several government-announced projects required a contribution from the Corporation’s General Funds, leading to financial strain. He also pointed out that six primary health centres and 10 sub-centres were constructed without specific budget allocations. Similarly, initiatives such as the breakfast scheme for school children and sanitary workers, along with other projects, were being implemented without a budget allocation.

In an effort to improve revenue, the Corporation would focus on expanding UGD connections across the city. The 100 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) at Panjapur would cover most wards. Meanwhile, the STP at Keezha Kalkandarkottai, which serves 13 wards, required 35,000 house service connections. However, only 9,000 connections had been provided so far. The remaining connections were expected to be completed, and the facility would be commissioned soon.

“There are a total of two lakh house service connections across all phases of the UGD project. So far, 85,000 connections have been given, and about 1.15 lakh are pending. By providing these connections, we will be able to generate revenue through deposit collection as well as annual tax,” Mr. Anbazhagan said.

In addition, the Corporation planned to rent out vacant commercial shops in its properties, particularly those constructed under the Smart Cities Mission, many of which remained underutilised, he added.