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.
