S.M. Street fire: State sanctions Rs.2.65 crore

The State government has sanctioned Rs.2.65 crore as the first tranche of funds for the comprehensive development of S.M. Street here.

Minister for Panchayats and Social Welfare M.K. Muneer said here on Thursday that the government had approved a project for Rs.5 crore. A meeting of traders, representatives of political parties, and cultural leaders would be called to discuss the issue. The renovation would be done without disturbing the existing heritage structures, he said.

Steps would be taken to demolish illegal buildings by invoking the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, he said adding that the traders would wholeheartedly cooperate with the project.

The renovation would be done in a manner that would prevent accidents in future. The provisions of the Act authorised law-enforcement agencies to take legal action against those trying to prevent precautionary measures adopted by government against disasters. The District Collector was empowered to act in this regard, Dr. Muneer said.

4 fire engines

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala sanctioned four fire engines and an ambulance for the district. A fire engine would be permanently stationed either at Mananchira or on the premises of the Kozhikode railway station. Personnel of the Fire and Rescue Services had risked their lives during the operation without proper equipment.