Mayor S.M. Velusamy has invited civil society organisations to partner the Coimbatore Corporation in developing the city. He made the appeal on Monday while participating at the function the Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) had organised to release the Coimbatore Information Directory.

“Your suggestions are welcome. Let this function not be a one-off affair. The civil society organisations and the Corporation should meet at least every two months so that the civic body had diverse opinion and rich options to choose from in making decisions.”

Detailing the improvements made in the last year or so, he said that the pace of work in storm water drain and underground drainage had improved ever since the new Council led by the AIADMK assumed office. As per the Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s guidelines and support, the Corporation was in the process of laying 200 km roads at Rs. 85 crore. The roads had been in a bad shape ever since the underground drainage work was taken up. He promised to take up desilting work in the eight tanks that were under the Corporation Control. Commissioner T.K. Ponnusamy said that the opinions or suggestions put forward by residents’ associations were welcome. He renewed his appeal in identifying reserve sites.

“If there are reserve sites or sites meant for public utility, please inform the Corporation, which will develop it into a playground or park.”

The office bearers of RAAC led by president C.R. Swaminathan and Honorary Secretary R. Raveendran appealed to the Corporation to take up mono rail proposal for the city. RAAC vice-president C. Raviselvan was also present.