The Hindu 01.12.2010
Corporation delegation to meet Ministers
Staff Reporter
| To seek implementation of water projects |
Many areas in the city facing acute water shortage
Plea to construct more public toilets in the city
KOCHI: An all-party delegation from the City Corporation will meet the Ministers for Water Resources and Public Works for speeding up the water supply projects of Kochi.
Announcing the decision at the Kochi corporation council meeting, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany said that a meeting of the officials of the Kerala Water Authority will also be convened shortly to identify the technical snags in the city water supply system.
In his reply to the discussions in the council, Mr. Chammany said that the council had initiated some water supply projects, which were funded by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Concerted efforts and follow ups for the speedy implementation of the works were needed, he said.
There was resistance from local residents against the cutting of the Piravam-Ernakulam road stretch for laying the pipelines of the Muvattupuzha water supply scheme. The issue was brought to the notice of the Minister for Public Works at a recent meeting in Kochi, he said. Initiating the discussion in the council, M. Anilkumar said that many areas in the city were in the grip of acute drinking water shortage. The water scarcity was severe in areas like Elamakara, Vennala, Vyttila and most areas of West Kochi. The water supply improvement schemes proposed for Vennala and Elamakara were long delayed. Once these projects are implemented, it would solve the issue to a considerable extent, he said.
A few councillors from West Kochi also raised the issue in the council meeting.
K.J. Jacob, the CPI (M) leader in the council, demanded steps for the prevention of flushing of waste water from the South railway station into Karshaka road and adjoining areas.
K.V. Manoj demanded steps for constructing public toilets in the city. Sojan Antony sought the intervention of the civic authorities in making the street lamps operational.
The civic administration has allotted Rs. 50,000 each to all the corporation divisions for cleaning the drains. The corporation secretary will hold discussion with the agency which was awarded the contract for maintenance of street lights, Mr. Chammany informed the council.
