The Hindu 21.02.2010

Roadside beautification works under way

Staff Reporter

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.

The Hindu 18.02.2010

Corporation begins works to improve VOC Park

Staff Reporter

– PHOTO:M.GOVARTHAN

Improving amenities: Workers carrying out renovation works at VOC Park in Erode.

ERODE: The VOC Park in the city will soon sport a new look, as the Erode Corporation has taken up works to give it a complete facelift.

The improvements include new and expanded lawns, planting beds, new artificial fountains, repaved paths, new benches, lighting, and more.

Facilities

New amenities and a play area for children will also be established.

The Corporation has allotted about Rs. 55 lakh to carry out these improvements at the park which had remained in a state of neglect for the past several months.

A few years ago, the authorities had dismantled a mini zoo located inside the park premises. A large portion of the park had remained unutilised since.

The growth of wild plants on the land spoiled the park’s landscape.

Citizens and various organisations had made repeated appeals to the civic authorities to improve the surroundings and facilities in the park.

The Corporation had taken up a portion of the land in the park for improvement.

Other works

Corporation Commissioner B. Balachandran said that more development works would be carried out in the park in a phased manner.

The civic body had planned to seek more funds from the government for carrying out the improvements.

Mr. Balachandran said that the civic body would rope in private organisations for the maintenance and operation of the park.