While the IPCL and Gujarat Refinery have decided in principle to share the expenses in laying the road between Genda Circle and Gorwa Octroi Post, the ONGC has agreed to install high-mast lights between the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan campus and Makarpura. Larsen and Toubro is also believed to have accepted in principle decision to put up high-mast lights near the Karelibaug-Jantar Mantar Circle.

This was a welcome sign, Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria told Express Newsline, considering the recession in the market. He said the VMC had proposals on various issues concerning the city for which it would require the help of industries. Aloria said the road between Genda Circle and Gorwa Octroi Post is expected to cost nearly Rs 2 crore.

Gujarat Refinery's Manager (Corporate Communication) Ajit Pathak said the Refinery had also agreed in principle to lay high-mast lights near Kala Ghoda and three other places. Talks were also on to develop the garden opposite Harni Airport and place name plates of animals in the Sayaji Garden.

ONGC General Manager J B Bhaya said his company was waiting for an estimate from the VMC for the high-mast lights between Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Makarpura. Once the estimates are submitted, the proposal would be taken up by the ONGC Board, he said, adding that any help from this will also be forthcoming in the State Government's Gokul Gram Yojna.

Sayaji Iron will lay a road between Pandya Hotel and Chhani Octroi Post. Bank of Baroda also assured a helping hand.

At the meeting, Singh said it was the social responsibility of the industries to contribute to the city's development. Aloria called for concrete proposals, stating that efforts were being made by the Corporation to utilise the minimum financial resources in the best possible manner.

Those who attended the meeting included District Collector Anil Mukim, District Development Officer Anju Sharma, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Administration) H S Patel and representatives of the industries.

A similar meeting had been held last month, at which the industries had assured financial assistance. The civic body has been demanding for some time that industries located on the city's outskirts should contribute to its development as a majority of the employees were staying within city limits and therefore enjoying civic amenities provided by the VMC.