As part of finalising a priority list of various development projects for the financial year 2013-14, the Department of Urban Affairs conducted a special discussion with people’s representatives, political party leaders, and invited members of various city-based socio-cultural organisations at the PWD rest house here on Sunday.
The meeting, convened by Urban Affairs Minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali, proposed five major development projects for the city aimed at improving its transportation and shopping facilities and tourism projects.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ali said the government would focus on five development projects.
“It will include the renovation of the Palayam bus stand along with the construction of a shopping mall; shopping centre and bus stand at Meenchantha; development of the Vengeri agriculture market; Musical fountain at Kuttichira; and the fast completion of the Tali heritage tourism project,” he said.
Mr. Ali said Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) would be prepared shortly after reviewing the public opinion and suggestions from various corners. Speaking on the proposal put forth by the Minister, M.K. Raghavan, MP, said priority should also be given to a few more projects that would address the city’s concern on waste treatment facilities, old drainage system, and the underdeveloped parking facilities.
Kozhikode should also get a mobility hub with superior parking facilities for all kinds of vehicles, he said, while pointing out that the city was missing a comprehensive master plan for its future development.
Expressing strong concern over the pending development of the Government Cyber Park at Nellikkode, A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, said it would create a negative impact on the city’s development dreams. “The State government should immediately resolve the technical issues hampering the fast-track realisation of the undertaking,” he said.
Mr. Pradeepkumar also requested the Urban Affairs Minister to consider the possibility of constructing an international convention centre for the city. Mayor A.K. Premajam, who lauded the decision of the Urban Affairs Department to fund the city’s development projects, said several of the welfare projects already initiated by the Corporation were pending owing to technical hitches.
Minister for Panchayat and Social Welfare M.K. Muneer chaired the district-level meeting. A.K. Saseendran, MLA, and M.T. Padma, Leader of the Opposition at the Corporation, were also present.
