Kerala   

Open spaces hard to come by here

Open spaces, important for a healthy living, are becoming a rarity in Thripunithura. While flats and shopping complexes have come up on many lands, the only main open space left around the main town area is a cricket ground.

The civic body has embarked upon a project in the centre of the town, which will take up an open space being mainly used as a parking area.

The C block of the municipality building will come up adjacent to the two existing blocks. It will be another shopping complex, which the municipality eyes as a revenue-generating source.

The small town, which boasts 30 to 35 apartment complexes, is turning into a concrete jungle. K.K. Mohanan, former municipal chairman, says the building is necessary for the civic body to generate revenue. Leader of the Opposition R. Venugopal, while admitting that there is a lack of open space in the town, says the latest project was proposed at least 15 years ago. But funds came through only three years ago, when it was included for a grant under a scheme of the Union Government.

As much as Rs. 1.46 crore has come as grant for the Rs 3-crore project. If the project is not executed, the money will lapse, Mr. Venugopal says. The work should have started last year. He says the project could have been changed when it was submitted for getting the grant.

The increase in population and number of vehicles should have been taken into account, says a senior citizen of the town. The worksite is dotted with big trees, which provides ample shade. But these will be surely axed, said the elderly person.

There are places in Thripunithura, such as an auditorium, which do not provide enough parking spaces. Vehicles parked on the busy road in front of the auditorium cause traffic congestion. However, the traffic police do not take any action, Mr. Venugopal says.

Shyama Rajagopal

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Munnar: CPI(M) launches stir as eviction continues
Real estate prices crash in Munnar area
Inter-State panel to study PAP disputes
Panel lists reasons for infection at SAT
Open spaces hard to come by here
Petition against doctors' strike filed
Revenue land for Forest Department
Melody maker returns
Green movement of a different kind
Management to withdraw case
Smart City pact to be signed tomorrow
High Court declines stay

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu