The Hindu : Top priority to Palayam development scheme

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 28, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Top priority to Palayam development scheme

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM March 27. Widening of nine prime roads in the city, relocation of the KSRTC and private bus stands at East Fort, creation of a land bank, construction of commercial complexes, truck terminal and parking plaza along the M.G. Road have been attached top priority in the Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority's budget passed today.

The chairman, P.K.Venugopal, told presspersons here today that widening of the Kazhakoottam-Kesavadasapuram, Palayam-Pattoor, Karakulam-Kowdiar, Vellayambalam-Thoppumukku, Museum- Nanthencode, Sreekariyam-Powdikonam, Kaimanam-Kalady, Power House and Karamana-Pappanamcode roads would be completed within a set timeframe. A sum of Rs.22 crores is needed to acquire land for the widening and junction development scheme envisaged by the authority. The process will commence very soon, Mr. Venugopal said.

The budget passed by the general council shows an income of Rs. 6,585.325 lakhs, Rs.6,585.100 lakhs expenditure and a balance of Rs. 62.808 lakhs. The authority has attached great significance to the Palayam urban renewal scheme, which is estimated to cost Rs. 3 crores. Work on the scheme to rehabilitate the traders will begin in April. The authority plans to include all traders in the scheme. All hitches have been cleared. As per the agreement made between the traders and the authority in 1986, those occupying an area will be provided reasonable space in the same locality once a development project is implemented, Mr. Venugopal said.

It has suggested that the Attakulangara Sub-Jail be shifted to the Central Jail complex at Poojapura and the Central School to the sub-jail campus after constructing a new building. After acquiring the private land behind the school, the KSRTC bus stand, fuel filling station and the private bus stand should be shifted there to ease congestion in East Fort area. The authority has decided to prepare a project, which assumes significance in the wake of the Fort beautification project that is progressing, Mr. Venugopal said.

The authority has plans to float a city infrastructure development fund with contributions from the Government, local bodies institutions, public sector undertakings, companies and voluntary organisations. This fund will be utilised for acquiring land for road widening, constructing pay and use toilets, parking area and such other basic facilities in the city, Mr.Venugopal said.

The authority has recommended the Government to construct a civil station for shifting the Collectorate. The authority demanded the Government to extend sewerage facility in those areas that do not have it now. With the widening of and development of important roads, the real estate value will increase, he said.

Hence the authority recommended that the Government collect a development cess from the beneficiaries of the value hike.

This would be deposited in the infrastructure development fund. But Mr. Venugopal clarified the authority is not for imposing any toll on the public but only mobilising funds from those who are benefited by the development projects.

Steps for constructing the truck terminal in association with the City Corporation will be initiated soon. The suggested sites are in Chalai and on the Eenchakkal bypass. Another ambitious land pooling scheme involving the landowners as well as the occupants has also been mooted.

The vacant plots behind the rickety shops on the M.G. Road and Chalai will be used with the consent all those concerned for developing and widening the roads. An office complex will be constructed behind the authority office at Vazhuthacaud. The apartments at Medical College estimated to cost Rs.10 crores will be completed within six months. The authority secretary, V.V. Krishnarajan, and the executive member, Y.M.Thajudeen, were also present.

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