New Delhi, Dec 23 (UNI): The winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly will be held from January 5 to January 8 next year, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday. She said the duration of the session could be extended if required, adding that the government would facilitate detailed discussions on various public welfare issues during the Assembly proceedings.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the transfer of operations of Delhi’s bus services from the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
The new arrangement will come into effect from the next financial year. The CM said the move would help improve the quality of bus services, make route rationalisation more efficient and provide greater job stability to drivers and conductors.
The Cabinet also took an important decision regarding the conservation and rejuvenation of water bodies in the capital. Approval was granted to open a new major head for this scheme under the revenue department. The Chief Minister said the initiative aims to revive neglected and damaged water bodies to improve groundwater levels and strengthen the city’s ecological balance.
She directed all departments and land-owning agencies under whose jurisdiction water bodies fall to ensure effective implementation of the scheme in their respective areas. According to the Chief Minister, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee has already transferred Rs 19.62 crore to the Revenue Department for the rejuvenation works.
The funds will be used for restoring water bodies under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, the Directorate of Panchayats and Block Development Officers, with additional allocations to be considered in the forthcoming budget if required.
Under the scheme, works such as desilting of water bodies, construction of boundary walls, development of pedestrian paths or walking tracks and improvement of local ecosystems will be undertaken. A district-level committee, chaired by the District Magistrate in each revenue district, will monitor the progress of the projects.
Gupta said the rejuvenated water bodies would be developed as attractive public spaces, offering recreational opportunities to citizens and enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal. She added that long-term conservation would be ensured through community participation, directly benefiting residents living in the surrounding areas.
