This follows a visit by the Standing Committee chairman, local councillors and Deputy Municipal Commissioner (General) I B Peerzada in the election ward numbers 7 and 23. These wards are part of administrative ward number 5. Patel told the administration representatives that it is very necessary to repair the talav as the old structure could collapse during the monsoon. The chairman said although there is no provision for the repairs in the current financial year's budget, a provision would be made to ensure that the repairs are carried out.

The councillors are also reported to have instructed the administration to demolish public toilets which are not being used in Painter Tanaji's lane near the Market.

The councillors reportedly appreciated the VMC's efforts to clean storm water drains. They also suggested that the administration prepare a list of water-logged areas this monsoon and work accordingly next year so that the logging does not re-occur.

This year, the VMC has been cleaning the storm water drains based on last years details of water-logged areas.

Meeting held: Members of the elected and administrative wings of the VMC on Tuesday convened a meeting to discuss the representations put up by various trade and business organisations in connection with revising the octroi rates. The proposal for revising the rates is to be taken up for discussion in the Standing Committee meeting on Thursday.

According to sources, the members are believed to have discussed issues pertaining to levying octroi on gold ornaments. Sources said the issue of increasing octroi on printed text books was also discussed. One of the office-bearers of the elected wing said they wanted to know the administration's point of view after having heard the representations of the trade organisations. The VMC has received about 44 objections.

According to information, the VMC is likely to give some relaxation in the levying of octroi on books.