The Hindu : Call to integrate suburbs with city

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

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Call to integrate suburbs with city

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM March 27. Participants in a stakeholders' workshop on the development of the capital here today stressed the need for a long- term plan integrating regional development needs with infrastructural requirements of the city. The workshop was organised by the State Government as part of the preparation of a perspective Vision Document for the capital region.

Inaugurating the workshop, the Additional Chief Secretary, Babu Jacob, said the Government would invite private sector participation on a large scale for the execution of various projects designed to give a facelift to the city and its suburbs. He said the Vision Document was expected to be ready for implementation before June after a series of discussions at various levels. Mr. Jacob said the budget outlay of Rs. 250 crores for the comprehensive development of Thiruvananthapuram was indicative of the Government's commitment.

The discussion covered the infrastructural demands of the city and the four municipal towns of Attingal, Nedumangad, Neyyatinkara and Varkala as well as the Ponmudi tourist resort and the beach stretch from Vizhinjam to Varkala.

One of the major recommendations that evolved at the end of the workshop was a proposal to convert Thiruvanathapuram into a `Knowledge City' with specialised universities in Ayurveda and other sciences, a medicinal plant export zone and biodiversity programmes. A section of the participants prioritised the development of the tourism sector with the thrust on promotion of health, cultural, backwater and beach tourism. Most of them acknowledged the need to improve the quality of life of the citizens, keeping in mind the demographic profile, which is tilting towards the 55-plus age group. A social security net for senior citizens and a comprehensive scheme enlisting the support of NGOs, private agencies, residents' associations and Kudumbasree units to take up income generating activities were also suggested.

One of the proposals involved the development of the public transport network with a hub-and-spoke system covering the suburban areas. The scientific relocation of bus stops and the shifting of the long distance bus terminal from Thampanoor to the NH bypass were also proposed.

The possibility of an overhead mass rapid transport system and suburban train services should be explored, it was felt. Construction of bus bays and development of parking lots were highlighted. Several participants felt that the development of a regional road network had to be given top priority in regional planning.

The workshop stressed the need for citizens' participation in planning and implementation of development projects. Benchmark standards to ensure the quality of air and water and preservation and maintenance of heritage structures were also stressed. Many participants highlighted the need for legislative support to check the filling up of low-lying areas and conversion of paddy fields. A review of the CRZ norms for backwater areas was called for. The meeting discussed the need to modernise the water supply and sewage networks and improve solid waste management. It recommended planned development of the satellite towns to help decongest the city and improve facilities for the suburban populace. The workshop also stressed the need for effective coordination between local bodies, TRIDA and Government departments.

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