The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : City’s development vital for State: Isaac

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City’s development vital for State: Isaac

Staff Reporter

Corporation given three options to acquire 42 more acres for Brahmapuram plant

— Photo: Vipin Chandran

APPEAL: Minister for Finance T.M. Thomas Isaac addressing the Corporation Council in the city on Saturday.

KOCHI: Minister for Finance T.M. Thomas Isaac on Saturday presented three options before the Kochi Corporation to acquire an additional 42 acres for the solid waste management plant at Brahmapuram.

He was speaking after the inaugurating the fund-raising for rehabilitation of the homeless and distributing the Paristhithi Souhruda award at the Corporation Council hall.

Loan offer

A delegation led by Mayor Mercy Williams had contacted Mr. Isaac in connection with acquiring the land, which would cost Rs. 70 crore at the present market price.

The three options given by Mr. Isaac were: the corporation could obtain a loan for acquiring the land and the State government would repay the loan; the corporation could take an interest-free loan from the State government or the State government would acquire the land and allow the corporation to use it.

In the first two options, the corporation would have the ownership of the land, whereas in the third option, the ownership will be with the State government and the corporation would have to handle all the rehabilitation and related issues, Mr. Isaac told the council.

He asked the council to discuss the options and take a decision at the earliest.

Unlike earlier times, Kochi has evolved as a growth pole, attracting investments from various corners. Stagnation in development projects in the city would affect not just the city, but the whole State, he said. A road map should be formed to implement projects under schemes like Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) within the next two years

. The Minister received the first collection for the fund for rehabilitating the homeless from E. Nandakumar, executive director (Kochi Refinery) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.

He also received keys of the residential apartments completed by Jomon Builders in association with the corporation. Mr. Isaac presented awards for environment-friendly steps taken by various groups. Award for the best NGO engaged in this activity was given to the Clean Kochi Movement implemented by the Kerala Builders’ Forum. Award was given to Varkey’s Supermarket in the merchant category and to Piyoli Residents Association in the residents’ association category.

Explaining the details of the project, Corporation Secretary Mini Antony said the civic body has to find Rs. 2.25 lakh for every house being built as part of the rehabilitation programme, in addition to the Rs. 1.20 lakh and Rs. 1.75 lakh identified in first two phases.

The Mayor, Deputy Mayor C.K. Manisankar, leader of opposition A.B. Sabu and councillors were present.

The meeting condoled the death of A.V. George, former deputy mayor.

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