The Hindu 10.01.2014
Rs. 7-crore aid for new Iron Bridge likely
The State government has assured allocation of Rs.7 crore required for constructing the approach road for the new Iron Bridge across the Kollam canal, Mayor Prasnna Earnest has said.
The construction of the bridge was nearing completion, she told the Corporation Council during its meeting on Thursday.
Ms. Earnest said that lack of funds for constructing the approach road was a cause for concern and the Corporation had written to the State government requesting the required fund.
She said the road overbridge across the Police Commissioner Office junction level crossing would be commissioned by the end of this month.
With the commissioning of the overbridge, the railways intended keeping the level crossing permanently closed. But the closure would create hardship for the people living in the area.
Level crossing
Therefore, the council would pass a resolution seeking to keep the level crossing opened during the day time and the same would be submitted to the railway authorities, she said.
Need for spillway
Saline water intrusion into the Vattakayal lake in the city was causing concern and the Corporation will request the State government for an allocation of Rs.1 crore for the construction of a spillway to prevent the saline water intrusion.
The Corporation would construct 40 lockers for the traditional fishermen based at the Vaddy fishing harbour to store their fishing gadgets like nets and outboard engines.
The decision was taken in the wake of the December 31 blaze, which destroyed the palm frond tents on the Vaddy beach where these gadgets were being stored.
Financial relief
A decision to grant financial relief to the dependants of the person killed in the blaze and others injured would also be taken.
Council member Uliyakovil Sasi pointed out that for the past 13 years the post of a police surgeon was lying vacant at the district hospital.
This was causing hardship to people when it came to cases involving autopsy.
Mr. Sasi wanted the Corporation to bring the situation to the urgent attention of the Health Department.
40 lockers for traditional fishermen based at the Vaddy fishing harbour.
