The Hindu               03.06.2013

Five projects mooted for city development

Staff Reporter

Department of Urban Affairs conducts special discussion.

As part of finalising a priority list of various
development projects for the financial year 2013-14, the Department of
Urban Affairs conducted a special discussion with people’s
representatives, political party leaders, and invited members of various
city-based socio-cultural organisations at the PWD rest house here on
Sunday.

The meeting, convened by Urban Affairs
Minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali, proposed five major development projects for
the city aimed at improving its transportation and shopping facilities
and tourism projects.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ali said the government would focus on five development projects.

“It
will include the renovation of the Palayam bus stand along with the
construction of a shopping mall; shopping centre and bus stand at
Meenchantha; development of the Vengeri agriculture market; Musical
fountain at Kuttichira; and the fast completion of the Tali heritage
tourism project,” he said.

Mr. Ali said Detailed
Project Reports (DPRs) would be prepared shortly after reviewing the
public opinion and suggestions from various corners. Speaking on the
proposal put forth by the Minister, M.K. Raghavan, MP, said priority
should also be given to a few more projects that would address the
city’s concern on waste treatment facilities, old drainage system, and
the underdeveloped parking facilities.

Kozhikode
should also get a mobility hub with superior parking facilities for all
kinds of vehicles, he said, while pointing out that the city was missing
a comprehensive master plan for its future development.

Expressing
strong concern over the pending development of the Government Cyber
Park at Nellikkode, A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, said it would create a
negative impact on the city’s development dreams. “The State government
should immediately resolve the technical issues hampering the fast-track
realisation of the undertaking,” he said.

Mr.
Pradeepkumar also requested the Urban Affairs Minister to consider the
possibility of constructing an international convention centre for the
city. Mayor A.K. Premajam, who lauded the decision of the Urban Affairs
Department to fund the city’s development projects, said several of the
welfare projects already initiated by the Corporation were pending owing
to technical hitches.

Minister for Panchayat and
Social Welfare M.K. Muneer chaired the district-level meeting. A.K.
Saseendran, MLA, and M.T. Padma, Leader of the Opposition at the
Corporation, were also present.