K.C. Venugopal calls for climate-responsive approach in NH construction

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Climate-responsive design should be incorporated into national highway construction and a high-level team with technical expertise should review the ongoing works, K.C. Venugopal, MP, has said.
Speaking at a meeting of the Alappuzha District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee to review the progress of Central government-sponsored schemes at the Collectorate conference hall on Saturday, Mr. Venugopal said that proper soil testing should be conducted for national highway construction in the district.
He directed the National Highways Authority of India to install proper drainage system, adequate lighting and proper signboards to reduce accidents. 'Immediate steps should be taken to address waterlogging along the roadside. Measures should also be taken to expedite the strengthening of parallel roads to the Aroor–Thuravoor stretch of National Highway 66,' the Alappuzha MP said.
He said the Aroor-Thuravoor stretch was experiencing traffic blocks lasting up to four hours. 'Authorities should not continue to test the public's patience. The project should proceed only after ensuring safety and taking into account the difficulties faced by daily commuters and residents living along the highway,' the MP said.
Mr. Venugopal directed officials to initiate steps to resolve drinking issues in the district. He reviewed the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Delays in providing new connections under the scheme are unacceptable, he said.
The MP stressed the need to ensure the safety of food served in schools and anganwadis. 'Counselling facilities should be made available to students in all schools. For this, a dedicated room must be set up, and confidentiality should be maintained,' he said.
The meeting observed that Alappuzha has made significant progress in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Around ₹440 crore is disbursed annually as wages through the scheme in the district. 'There is no other scheme as effective in addressing unemployment. Its benefits should be fully utilised,' Mr. Venugopal said.
The meeting discussed 68 schemes being implemented by 26 Central government departments.
District Collector Alex Varghese, Alappuzha municipal chairperson K.K. Jayamma and others attended the meeting.

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