The New Indian Express 22.11.2010
Better infrastructure for Ravipuram
Division no 61: Ravipuram
Councillor: Soumini Jain (UDF)
Ravipuram lies next to Panampilly Nagar. Many parts of the division suffer water-logging. Potholed roads are another concern here. A JNNURM-funded `1.5-crore work has reduced water-logging in the Atlantis area. Other JNNURM work to reduce water-logging in the area are in the pipeline. Encroachment has been rampant in the area for decades. The encroachment of canals in the area over the years is also a reason for the heavy water-logging in the area.
Soumini Jain, the newly elected councillor, says, “The condition of the roads is similar to that of the roads around the city - potholed. Most of the roads need to be maintained or re-tarred. That’s definitely the priority and the work will start as soon as possible. Water-logging haunts most of the eastern side of the division. A big drainage work by JNNURM, already allotted, is moving slowly because of some technical difficulties. The improvement of basic facilities at the slum areas is also an important task.”
According to her, “I am already pursuing the various problems of the people. There were some health concerns in some colonies in the division because of the spread of infectious diseases. I informed the health inspector about this and he visited the place and made sure that it is under control.”
Drains to be cleaned
Division no 62: Ernakulam South
Councillor: Bhadra Satheesh (UDF)
Ernakulam South is a division which faces water-logging troubles. The areas near South Railway Station is plagued by heavy water-logging throughout the rainy season. Some main roads of the area like Chittoor Road is in a bad state, riddled with potholes. The division has attained VIP status now with its new representative, Bhadra Satheesh, taking charge as the Deputy Mayor of Kochi. Dismissing any concern about the additional responsibility proving to be a hindrance to her role as councillor, Bhadra Satish says, “People of the division committee will help and it won’t be difficult to carry out both my responsibilities well if everyone cooperates.”
According to her, “Some of the roads are in an extremely bad condition and they need to be maintained. Some of the road work for which the contract was given during the last Council has already started.
The metal work has already started and the tarring will be done after the rain.
Drains need to be cleaned thoroughly as this will reduce water-logging. Drains also need to be flushed with saline to avoid the spread of mosquitoes. Some big JNNURM-funded projects to solve water-logging in the area are in the pipeline”. She is looking into the few complaints received about potable water shortage in some areas, she said.
