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Tirupur town gets Rs. 10-crore grant for unapproved layouts

TIRUPUR: Tamil Nadu Government has extended a special grant of Rs.10 crore to Tirupur following the upgrading of Tirupur Municipality into a Corporation.

Most neglected parts of the town, classified as unapproved areas till recently, will soon get basic amenities.

The municipal authorities have decided to use the grant to construct storm water drains and minor bridges across the town at 52 places at an estimated cost of Rs.10.48 crore.

“This is the first major grant we are receiving from the Government since the local body has been upgraded. Considering the pathetic condition of the unapproved layouts we have decided to spend the entire amount to create basic infrastructure there,” Municipality Chairman K. Selvaraj said.

The unapproved layouts do not have roads, drainages, streetlights and water supply pipes.

“The simplified scheme announced by the Government a year ago had evoked a good response from the public. Most of the residents of these areas have paid regularisation fee and development charges. Residents from 84 layouts have paid Rs. 6.85 crore,” said Municipal Commissioner M. Ashokan.

According to a rough estimate, at least Rs. 35 crore is required to create drainage at all 84 layouts. Of the Rs. 6.85 crore, the local body has spent around Rs. 3 crore to instal streetlights and extend water supply main lines.

“These unapproved layouts spread across the town badly need drainages first. We have identified areas which immediately require the facility,” Mr. Ashokan said.

Besides 52 works under the special grant, the local body at its meeting on Tuesday has decided to take up 29 similar works at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.60 crore, from the fee paid by the residents as developmental charges.

Mr. Selvaraj said these works were expected to be inaugurated by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on his visit to the city on December 29.

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