Bangalore: They are the decision-making body at the local level and for the past five years, they had a say in matters pertaining to the development of Bangalore. But, with the term of the BMP Council ending on November 24 and elections not on the anvil, corporators will be without power indefinitely.

To mark the end of their term, they held an eight-hour session on Tuesday. Cutting across party lines, they recognised the achievements of leaders who made a contribution to the development of their wards.

An emotional Mayor Mumtaz Begum said Rs. 216-crore worth of spillover works had been completed, Rs. 10 crore spent on street lighting and Rs. 216 crore of tax had been collected in her one-year tenure. She admitted that development works had been delayed .

She said the highlights of the Congress rule were the sanctioning of 1,500 dwellings for economically weaker sections, the "Sanjeevani" nutrition programme for expectant mothers and the sanctioning of four electric crematoria at Peenya, Hebbal, Medhi Agrahara and Banashankari.

Deputy Mayor Laksminarayan said over the past one year Rs. 400 crore worth road upgradation works had been taken up and this was a record of sorts in the history of BMP.

Delay in earmarking dumping yards and the lack of sensitivity to the environment among officials were highlights of speeches by Opposition leaders. M. Nagaraj of Gelayara Badavane said even though there were provisions for MLAs and MPs to attend BMP council meetings and take part in the decision-making process, not many had bothered to attend.

After the formation of Greater Bangalore, the number of wards would increase from 100 to more than 140 and the area manned by the BMP is to increase from 226 sqkm to 696 sqkm.

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