Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

BJP promises metro

Staff Reporter

Manifesto for elections in the district released

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) manifesto for the forthcoming elections to the local bodies in the district proposes a metro rail scheme for the capital city and a regulatory mechanism to curb the growth of high-rise buildings.

Releasing the manifesto at a prèss conference here on Tuesday, BJP district president Vellanchira Somasekharan said the party would strive to ensure metropolitan status for the city by annexing suburban panchayats. The development of a ring road, an inland waterway from Kovalam to Kollam, a metro rail scheme and four new bus depots are some of the proposals outlined for the improvement of the transport network.

The manifesto proposes a master plan for city development with a regulatory mechanism to check high-rise buildings. Periodic inspections and fitness certificates will be mandatory for old multi-storied buildings. A Research and Development Centre will be set up to identify substitutes for river sand in the construction industry.

The manifesto pledges to enforce the ban on reclamation of wetlands. Cultivation of medicinal herbs will be encouraged in tribal areas and procurement and marketing facilities will be provided.

Schemes to promote organic farming and breeding of ornamental fish and pet birds, floriculture and vegetable farming are some of the other proposals.

The document pledges to constitute an authority to protect ponds, sacred groves and wetlands and explore the possibility of constructing a small hydel project. Mr. Somasekharan said the BJP, if elected to power, would impose a ban on plastic bags.

He said the garbage collection and disposal system would be streamlined with the help of women's self-help groups. The manifesto promises to construct new crematoriums and extend the sewerage system to all parts of the city.

In the health sector, it proposes to augment ambulance services and introduce mobile clinics in tribal areas.

Mr. Somasekharan announced schemes to ensure drinking water supply, electricity and roads in the coastal areas. Modern fish processing centres will be set up.

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