Council member for finance and planning Ram Mhatre informed that the Centre would be approached for financial assistance but refused to disclose either the amount or the projects for it was being sought, adding the modalities of the seeking funds are being worked out at the mayor's level which would take some time.

However, according to a civic official who requested anonymity, the mayor would be seeking nearly Rs 1,000 crore for the construction of toilets. The reason for the assistance is that a large number of people are settling in the city everyday and it is becoming extremely difficult for the administration to provide civic amenities to the citizens. The BMC has plans to construct a large number of toilets in the slums this year. He further said the mayor will lead a team of corporators to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee soon to discuss theissue.

Together, the Centre, the state government and the Railways owe the civic corporation over Rs 550 crore. The BMC however has not been able to recover Rs 400 crore. Apart from minimal communication like reminders and letters, the BMC had done little to get the money.

Mhatre claimed that new Mayor-in-Council will make renewed efforts to recover all the dues, adding that the state government owed Rs 127 crore and the Railways Rs 35.

Last week the Council had announced that in a joint project with the state government to construct 13 flyover bridges and one subway the BMC will pool in Rs 125 crore, an amount which could have been adjusted against its dues. However, Mhatre said that the BMC will pay the amount in installments over a period of five years.

Regarding the dues by the Railways Mhatre said the minister of state for railways Ram Naik had assured that the railways would pay at least 80 per cent of the amount as soon as possible.