The Hindu 21.02.2010
Roadside beautification works under way
Staff Reporter
– Photo: M. Periasamy
Sprucing up: Corporation Commissioner Anshul Mishra (fourth right) and Mayor R. Venkatachalam (second right) taking a look at works being carried out along Avanashi Road in Coimbatore.
Coimbatore: Mayor R. Venkatachalam and Corporation Commissioner Anshul Mishra on Saturday inspected the model stretch of beautified footpath and greenery path, being laid as part of works for the ensuing World Classical Tamil Conference, along Avanashi Raod.
P.A. Ganeshwaran, executive engineer in charge of the works, briefed Mr. Venkatachalam and Mr. Mishra about the works.
Mr. Mishra told The Hindu that a model stretch was laid same was inspected for making improvements to it as well as the future ones for which the works are to be started. Five packages have been designed for the 12-km stretch from Avanashi Road flyover till CODISSIA.
Mr. Mishra told The Hindu that the inspection was carried out to make improvements to the model stretch for future works. Five packages had been designed for the 12-km stretch from Avanashi Road flyover till CODISSIA. Half of the stretch (6 km) would be completed using Corporation and Government funds while the funding for the rest would come from public private partnership through expression of interest. Contracts would be finalised and as per the road map, the agency taking up the works would be asked to complete all the works well before end of May.
The works inspected on Saturday were worth Rs. 1.51 crore and Highways authorities were consulted on extending the space for pedestrian movement as well as for laying a greenery path.
On Saturday, the authorities also finalised the species of plants, designs of railings, tiles and blocks for the footpath. The plants identified for the beautification would include Mexican Grass, Champion, Royal Palm, Fox Style, Cycus, Lantana and Nolina.
Mr. Mishra added that five traffic islands would also be beautified at Rs. 25 lakh.
Of the road works sanctioned at Rs. 26 crore, ten roads at a cost of Rs. 2.15 crore had been taken up, while two roads had been completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 39.2 lakh.
If needed, services of more workers would be utilised to complete the works by the end of May, he said.
Mr. Mishra advised the contractor to go for drought-resistant plants and use a mesh to prevent pedestrians from causing damage to the plants.
