The Hindu : Maidan renovation project may run into opposition

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Maidan renovation project may run into opposition

By T. Nandakumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB. 10. Alarmed over the possibility of losing a major venue for hosting public meetings and political rallies, the district committee of the CPI(M) has sought a detailed report from the LDF leadership in the City Corporation on the proposal to renovate the Putharikkandam Maidan at East Fort. The concern has been fuelled by the remodelling of the Gandhi Park, which left it unsuitable for large public gatherings.

LDF leaders in the Corporation said they were engaged in allaying the apprehensions of the CPI(M) district committee in this connection. The renovation of the Putharikkandam Maidan is part of a package of four projects which was unveiled by the local body last December. The other three projects involve the beautification of the Sanghumukham beach and the Manaveeyam Veedhi and the modernisation of the crematorium at Thycaud. The Rs.8.7-crore package would be executed with financial support from the Tourism Department and the Capital Region Development Scheme launched by the Government.

Political parties had put up stiff opposition to the renovation of the Gandhi Park, fearing that it would deprive them of a major venue in the heart of the city. The Corporation went ahead with the project claiming that the park would remain open for public meetings. But once completed, it was evident that the design was unsuitable for rallies and large congregations.

"Unlike the Gandhi Park, which was designed as a recreation centre, the renovation of the Putharikkandam Maidan will focus on retaining the sprawling grounds. The idea is to beautify the premises and improve basic facilities for large public gatherings," says a senior Corporation functionary.

Rainwater harvesting

The designers of the Putharikkandam project are reworking the proposal so as to include a rainwater harvesting system. Efforts are on to seek technical expertise to integrate a method to collect and route storm water runoff into a large water body to be constructed at the eastern end, behind the location of the proposed stage. The collected water is to be used to irrigate the lawns and plants inside the Maidan as well as the adjacent Gandhi Park.

The renovation work, estimated to cost Rs.3.5 crores, involves the construction of a jogging circuit along the periphery of the grounds. Circular platforms will be provided at intervals to install statues of public figures. The Maidan would be redesigned along a central axis linking the main entrance to a stage at the eastern side. The premises would be greened with avenue trees lining the boundary.

The Amayizhanjan Canal skirting the grounds will be covered with concrete slabs and a row of kiosks constructed here. The Quit India gate at the entrance would be demolished to make way for a new structure designed on the lines of the East Fort gate to ensure architectural harmony. A dormitory and public comfort station will be constructed at the South East corner of the ground for the benefit of the visiting public and the staff manning the stalls at exhibitions and fairs.

Parking facilities will be provided at the left side of the entrance to the Maidan.

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