An official meeting convened by Ports Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally to discuss developmental issues of his constituency here unveiled the wish list for the Kannur town and nearby areas.
The meeting held here on July 2 to discuss with heads of various government departments and representative of local bodies to shortlist developmental issues that need immediate redress drew the Minister’s attention to a host of projects and proposals to be considered for the development of the constituency comprising the district headquarters.
The proposals raised at the meeting included rectifying traffic gridlocks in the town, breakage of drinking water supply pipes, damaged roads, and waste disposal issues, among others.
The Minister said the meeting was a preliminary initiative concerning the development of his constituency. He urged the heads of departments to submit proposals to rectify respective problems. He also assured that the problems would be solved soon.
District Collector P. Bala Kiran disclosed at the meeting that there was a direction from the government to complete land acquisition for a four-lane highway in six months. He also announced that land acquisition for the proposed Kannur bypass conceived as part of the National Highway development had been completed in seven out of 10 villages in Valapattanam, Mundayad and Chala areas.
Also brought to the notice of the Minister was the urgency of developing seven roads to the Kannur International Airport coming up near Mattannur.
National Highway officials said at the meeting that once the declaration of the Mele Chovva-Mattannur road as NH came into force, the road development works estimated at Rs.15 crore would be carried out for the upgradation of the road.
An official press release briefing the meeting said traffic congestion was highlighted by Kannur Corporation Mayor E.P. Latha as the major problem in the Corporation area.
Flyover
She reminded the Minister of the proposal for a flyover from Fort Road to the AKG Hospital. Modernisation of bus shelters, multi-level parking facilities, and renovation of the Jawahar Stadium were also highlighted by the Mayor. District Panchayat president K.V. Sumesh said road repair works should be carried out on a war footing.
The other proposals projected at the meeting included upgradation of the Azhikkal port, construction of breakwater at Ezhara beach to prevent sea erosion, tribal museum at Aralam, and renovation of dilapidated pond.
