ALAPPUZHA: District Collector C.K. Balakrishnan, who assumed charge here on Monday, has said that he would focus on optimum utilisation of Alappuzha's abundantly available resources for overall development of the district.

Interacting with the media during a Meet the Press programme organised by the Alappuzha Press Club here on Tuesday, Mr. Balakrishnan said the district was blessed with potential for development in several aspects, including agriculture, tourism and inland fishing among others.

The district administration and its employees, whom he said would be motivated and trained to bring about `attitudinal changes,' would focus on solutions for urgent issues, including drinking water, the paddy procurement controversy that was going on, health problems and also to complete pending works.

"We will also start working immediately on preparedness for any untoward events or natural calamities that may occur during the forthcoming monsoon.

"This will include preparedness to handle water-borne diseases and also monsoon-related problems such as flooding, the vagaries of the sea and other disasters," Mr. Balakrishnan, formerly the Land Use Board Secretary, said.

The district administration would also look at development of basic infrastructure, possible channels of funds that can be made available to the district and to increase the efficiency levels of all Government departments, not just those located in the Collectorate, he said.

On political pressure

Mr. Balakrishnan, when reminded about political interferences that were "usual in a politically active district like Alappuzha," said his limits would be those prescribed by the law and the courts and not politicians.

"If I am forced to do something beyond what the law says I can, it will be just the matter of one signature and I will end it. I will not yield to any such pressures," he said.

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