The Times of India               11.06.2013

Kochi corporation approves projects worth Rs 90 crore

KOCHI: Clearing uncertainties regarding the implementation of projects under the decentralised planning programme, a special council of the Kochi corporation approved projects worth Rs 90 crore on Monday. The council approved projects after modifications incorporating suggestions by members.

Total funds earmarked as part of the decentralised planning programme for 2013-14 is Rs 90, 61,12,000. While plan projects received Rs 50, 98, 88,000, projects under the maintenance grant received Rs 33, 86, 48,000. Projects for scheduled castes received Rs 5,75,76,000.

From the Rs 33 crore allotted under the maintenance grant, Rs 6.84 crore is meant for non-road projects while Rs 27 crore has been earmarked for projects under the road category.

Mayor Tony Chammany said the corporation would write to the state government requesting action against those officials who failed to attend the decisive council meeting on Monday. Many councillors had criticised officials who didn't make it to the council meeting, which approved projects that had to be implemented by these officials. Other than officials of the social welfare department of the state government, officials of the agriculture department also failed to attend the council meeting. This has created confusion and failure in incorporating suggestions by councillors in many projects.

Projects that were affected due to the absence of officials concerned include construction of modern slaughter houses, distribution of poultry, spillover projects in the agriculture sector, renovation of Krishi Bhavan at Vyttila, implementation of Ashraya project for mentally and physically ill, projects for women's welfare and distribution of nourished food for the HIV affected.

Corporation secretary Ajith Patel said that the cost of construction of sewage plants proposed by the corporation would go up unless funds were allocated for land acquisition. Measures should be taken to release the fund immediately, he said.

Many councillors from ruling front as well as the opposition demanded a decision on whether the slaughter house at Kaloor should be removed or not. There are suggestions of shifting the slaughter house at Kaloor from city centre. The local body has approved Rs one crore for setting up a modern slaughter house in west Kochi. Councillors also demanded granting of more funds for public and individual toilets in various colonies.