The Hindu 12.10.2010
Traffic, waste management key issues in Thripunithura
Staff Reporter
Central city project involves construction of a new bus terminal near the railway station in Thripunithura.
KOCHI: Speakers from political parties at a discussion organised by Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Associations (TRURA) here on Sunday, suggested focusing on the Central City project to provide a solution to the traffic problems of the municipality.
Participating in the discussion C. N. Sundaran, representing the Left Democratic Front, said that the new Municipal Council would undoubtedly take up the project to the implementation stage. The project involves construction of a new bus terminal near the railway station and integrating the rail and road transport facilities in Thripunithura.
R. Venugopal, representing the UDF, said that when the project was conceived, the land cost was only Rs. 500 a cent, now it would be over Rs. 5 lakh.
While Mr. Sundaran talked about a three-pronged approach in developing the city specifying Central and State intervention in certain projects, he said corruption-free good governance would solve many problems in the town.
Mr. Venugopal listed a number of unfinished projects in the town mainly because of lack of vision in the governing council.
Speaking on the occasion, BJP leader K. V. Sabu, divided the problems of the town into three levels. The primary needs included solving the problem of traffic congestion, water availability, waste management and hygiene. Infrastructure development and social projects need to be followed in association with Public Works Department. He also called for providing heritage status for Thripunithura.
The discussion was inaugurated by K. G. Paulose, former Vice-Chancellor, Kalamandalam.
V. P. Prasad, chairman, TRURA, presided. V. K. Pappu, former Pro-Vice Chancellor, Cochin and Calicut University, moderated the discussion.
Earlier, Paul Manjooran, technical director, TRURA, presenting the Association's outlook on developmental issues said that integration of the rail and road transport should be made a reality which would solve the traffic congestion in the city to some extent.
He also called for waste segregation at source.Earlier, V. C. Jayendran, convener of TRURA, welcomed the gathering.
P. Sasidharan, chairman, central zone, TRURA, proposed a vote of thanks.
