The Hindu 30.05.2013
How green is the plan?
Though the Thiruvananthapuram master plan promises to
create a network of green belts and zones, it does not have concrete
measures to intensify greening. This was among the list of objections
raised against the draft of the master plan that was put up for public
scrutiny at the workshop arranged by the city Corporation here on
Tuesday.
R. Sridhar, programme director of Thanal, an
environment research organisation based in the city, said that the
document had neglected climate change. Riby Rachel Mathew, town planning
specialist with Rajiv Awas Yojana, pointed out the contradiction
between plans to maintain Akkulam as a green stretch and to establish a
multi-mobility hub there. Proposals that suggested intensive development
along the Vizhinjam-Thiruvallam stretch may harm local people, most of
whom relied on traditional means of livelihood such as fishing, she
said. The master plan envisages outward growth from the city core, and
the creation of new ‘growth centres,’ including one at Vizhinjam.
Lack
of clarity was another grouse among residents. Officials of the Town
Planning Department said that specific project proposals would come
later.
Objections
Objections
can be raised until June 6, after which the Town Planning Department
will incorporate suggestions and come up with a final version of the
plan. A translated Malayalam document will also be released shortly.
