: Efforts are on to develop Thiruvalla, regarded as the cultural capital of the Central Travancore region and the commercial headquarters of Pathanamthitta district, into a self-contained township.
The Thiruvalla Vigilance Council, an apolitical body of experts in different walks of life, socio-environmental personalities, retired civil servants, people’s representatives, business community, etc., has prepared a Draft Development Plan for Thiruvalla and surrounding villages.
The draft plan envisages the development of Thiruvalla with a 15-year perspective, said council president P.D. George who himself is a retired Revenue Divisional Officer.
According to Mr. George, Thiruvalla with a history and tradition dating back to 500 BC houses a major portion of the Upper Kuttanad and it should be developed into the Gateway of Kuttanad.
This major Non-Resident Indian pocket in the State houses branches of as many as 55 banking institutions with a total deposit of Rs. 10,000 crore. Thiruvalla is also known as the small town with the largest number of bank branches as well as deposit in South India, Mr George said.
The development plan moots sustainable utilisation of this hefty bank deposit for the development of the region. Mr. George told The Hindu that the draft plan had been submitted to the municipal council and the civic body chief had promised to do everything possible in implementing various project proposals in it on a priority basis.
Mr. George has called upon the civic body to create a conducive atmosphere for commercial establishments to thrive in the town by systematicaly expanding the infrastructure facilities.
The draft plan prepared by experts also moots preparation of proper land mapping before chalking out each development project.
The council stresses the crucial role of the local self-government institutions for sustainable development of Thiruvalla.
Mr George said the municipality, in association with the surrounding grama panchayats, should take the necessary initiative for implementing various development projects.
