The Mannarakkara Road Residents Association (Ponnurunni-Chalikkavattom) has introduced CCTV cameras with night vision facility in the colony. Excise Minister K. Babu inaugurated the system recently. The association installed CCTV cameras following increasing incidents of crime like chain-snatching and robbery. The surveillance system will function round the clock.
Sumesh P. Manoharan, Secretary, Mannarakkara Road Residents Association, Ponnurunni-
Chalikkavattom.
It is reported that Prem Nazir will be the lone Malayalam celebrity to be recognised by India Post. He has gained his rightful place. So should have the legendary singer K.J. Yesudas. He holds the record for most national awards for singing. He should figure in the new set of stamps to commemorate the centenary of Indian cinema.
—Christopher Antony, Moolamkuzhy.
People travelling from Fort Kochi Customs Jetty at Calvathy to Ernakulam were able to park their two-wheelers/bicycle on the Jetty premises till recently by paying a parking fee of Rs. 3 and Rs.1.50 for two-wheelers and bicycles respectively. Now the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) restricted parking by blocking entry to the parking space. After the first half of 2011, SWTD called for tender to run booths for collecting fees but later it was cancelled. It is also informed that neither the Jetty nor the parking place belongs to State Water Transport Department, Cochin Port Trust or Cochin Corporation, but to a private party. It is clear that State Water Transport Department has no rights to block the entry of two-wheelers for parking. The area where the SWTD boats halt for boarding belongs to Cochin Port Trust. Complaints were made to the District Collector, the RDO, the Fort Kochi Police Station and also the Transport Secretary but no action has been initiated. It is requested that the District Administration intervene and restore the parking facility at the jetty so that people coming from places like Panayapally, Koovapadom can reach the mainland without much difficulty.
--S.Padmanabha Mallya, Secretary, Paschimakochi Passengers' Association.
Compiled by
K.K. Sankaran
