Latest news with #Anilkumar
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Kochi corp designs Rs 100-cr project to renovate Pandarachira Canal
Kochi: Kochi corporation designed a Rs 100 crore project to rejuvenate Pandarachira Canal in West Kochi. The project is funded by Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), an international agency that works to build resilience in coastal communities and ecosystems. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Project to rejuvenate the canal, which passes through several divisions, will help address waterlogging in West Kochi area. "Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project to rejuvenate six major canals in Kochi city is being implemented under the leadership of state govt. The plan involves removing silt from canals, constructing walls, implementing sewage system to avoid dumping of faecal waste into these waterbodies, purifying water, improving side roads and installing lights to enhance beauty of the area," mayor M Anilkumar said. "Canals in West Kochi are not included in this project. In this context, the idea of rejuvenating Pandarachira Canal, one of the main canals in West Kochi region, was proposed and it was decided to implement the project in collaboration with international agencies such as ICLEI South Asia, Bechtel and Swiss Re," Anilkumar said. The project includes a treatment plant to process polluted water currently flowing into Pandarachira Canal. Bridges and culverts will be renovated to maintain proper water flow during high and low tides. A permanent system will be established to ensure unobstructed flow of water, free from solid waste and water hyacinth. Sustainable desilting, pollution control and construction of new walls are key components of the project. Construction of a walkway along the canal and development of modern public spaces and playgrounds are also included. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Phase I will cover a 2.3-km stretch of the canal, which borders Kochi and Palluruthy. This project will aid in the future rejuvenation of other canals, including Pashnithodu in Palluruthy. Detailed DPR preparation activities have commenced. "DPR will also address connecting Pandarachira Canal with water transport routes and its maintenance with community participation. Matter Lab, a sister organization of Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), is preparing the DPR with a budget of Rs 50 lakh. DPR will be completed within four months," mayor said. A meeting chaired by mayor was attended by Monalisa Sen from ICLEI, Tara S Pillai from Bechtel and Jayakumar from Matter Lab. Pandarachira Canal, once a major cargo waterway to old Kochi city, lost its significance with the construction of modern roads and urbanization.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corp council asks secretary to examine project to set up public toilets
Kochi: Kochi corporation council on Wednesday entrusted local body secretary to examine Resto Cafe, a project to set up toilets along with cafeterias in the city. Mayor M Anilkumar assigned the secretary to review various aspects of the project and present details at next council meeting. Council will decide on implementing the project afterward, according to mayor. Resto Cafe will include a restroom on ground floor and a restaurant on upper floor. Anilkumar suggested in the council that it would be appropriate to evaluate the operation after establishing one or two cafes on a trial basis before constructing more. Secretary will examine matters such as locations for setting up cafes, legal aspects, contracts, advertising spaces in exchange for setting up cafes and construction of workspaces at these locations. Urban Solutions, a private agency which is to implement the project, made a presentation at the council, intending to establish 25 units. Lower level will have restrooms for men, women and disabled, along with a food kiosk. Upper level will house the restaurant. There are three types of cafes. The first type includes facilities like CCTV, Wi-Fi, a mobile app, a sanitary pad incinerator, solar panels and water conservation equipment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo Second and third types do not have that many facilities. Project requires 75 cents and will be executed on a BOT (build-operate-transfer) basis. After 20 years, it will be handed over to corporation, according to company representatives. During this period, company will need to invest Rs 270 crore. In exchange for constructing Resto Cafe, company will be allowed to install advertisements on 3,500-square metre space in the city. Company will also set up workspaces and water kiosks in these areas, with advertisements being a part of this setup. The firm will charge for restroom, workspace and advertisement facilities. Tax from advertisements will be paid to corporation.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Corporation to ask CSML to address issues with LED lights
Mayor M. Anilkumar has promised to address issues with LED lights by bringing complaints raised by the councillors to the notice of Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML). He was responding to complaints at the Kochi Corporation Council meeting on Tuesday. Admitting to problems with LED lights, Mr. Anilkumar said lights developing snags during the monsoon was common. The councillors complained that CSML had not taken any steps for maintenance, though the relocated LED lights had been facing problems from day one. LED lights have been installed along the national highway and the North overbridge. The Mayor said a meeting was once convened with CSML chief executive officer and the deputy chief engineer to discuss the issue. He said he would write to CSML asking to address the problem. CSML had given a contract to a company for ₹40 crore to relocate the lights. The councillors accused CSML of not completing the relocation of the lights yet. When the lights turn dysfunctional, the KSEB blames it on CSML, which in turn puts the onus on the KSEB. Besides, the Corporation has given separate contract for the maintenance of the lights. However, the contractor claims that the maintenance of the lights within the guarantee period is not his responsibility, they said. The councillors rued how they were being forced to approach various agencies to get lights in their wards repaired. Street lights remain the responsibility of the Corporation though they are now forced to run from pillar to post to offer that service, the councillors said. Property tax Mr. Anilkumar said that, except for a few, almost all had paid property tax, thanks to K-Smart. Those receiving notice for the first time need to pay the dues for three years alone. However, those who have failed to pay tax despite being repeatedly served notices should clear the full dues with penal interest, he added. The Mayor was responding to allegations by the Opposition councillors of discrimination in property tax collection. The opposition councillors cited how 146 persons had secured a verdict limiting the collection of tax dues to three years since the increase in tax in 2016, while that benefit was being denied to those who could not afford to approach the court.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Renovated Mattancherry town hall opened to public
The Mattancherry Nehru Memorial Town Hall, renovated at an investment of around ₹3.50 crore, has been opened to the public, Mayor M. Anilkumar has said. 'Funds from the Kochi Corporation Plan fund, their own fund, and the corporate social responsibility fund of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have been used to renovate the town hall with 27, built-up space,' he said. The commissioning of the renovated town hall, scheduled for April, was postponed following Pope Francis' death. The Mattancherry town hall is one of the most popular spots for common people in the area, and is older than the town hall in Ernakulam. 'The town hall has been renovated by making complete use of its space. Two dining halls are also part of the town hall. BPCL made available ₹88 lakh as CSR fund for the project. The gate and the entry arch have been renovated in keeping with the town hall's legacy and beauty. Lighting and flooring have been properly taken care of,' said Mr. Anilkumar. 'The stage has been redesigned as part of the renovation. Backdrop to the stage and other facilities have also been arranged,' he added. The Mattancherry town hall boasts a 35, parking facility. 'The sound system has been improved, considering that the town hall frequently hosts various cultural programmes.' 'The Kochi Corporation is hopeful that the public will make good use of the town hall,' said Mr. Anilkumar. The town hall had fallen into disrepair after it was used to accommodate COVID-19 patients.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Distribution of 56 kiosks marks first phase of roadside vendors' rehabilitation
The Kochi Corporation has initiated the rehabilitation of roadside vendors, starting with the distribution of kiosks to 56 vendors in Fort Kochi as part of the first phase on Tuesday (June 10). The move was in keeping with the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. Cochin Smart Mission Limited designed and built the kiosks. In the next phase, roadside vendors will be moved into dedicated vending zones. No vendor will be allowed space beyond 25 sq ft. Vending hindering the movement of pedestrians will not be allowed, nor will they be permitted to expand the vending space by drawing overhead sheets, said Mayor M. Anilkumar. An effective rehabilitation plan will be drawn up. Even smaller kiosks are being prepared at select locations. Vendors will be responsible for the treatment of waste that their units generate. Encroachment on roads will not be allowed. The Corporation Council has taken all necessary measures for a more beautiful Kochi. The Act, among other things, has provisions for issuing identity cards to vendors, their registration, and the identification of vending zones. The town vending committee played a critical role in the rehabilitation of roadside vendors. The Corporation has identified 2,351 vendors through a survey conducted with the help of various agencies. So far, 69 vending zones have been recognised. Nine representatives have been elected from among the recognised roadside vendors. Mr. Anilkumar hailed the cooperation extended by various trade unions to the endeavour. According to the Act, municipal corporations are required to draw up separate vending by-laws. Councillors P.S. Viju, Priya Prashanth, Antony Kureethara, and V.K. Minimol were entrusted with preparing the by-law. The draft by-law was approved by the vending committee and the Corporation Council and submitted to the State government, which approved it on October 9, 2023. The government approved the vending plan on June 27, 2024. Mr. Anilkumar said the Corporation was the first civic body in the State to prepare a vending by-law and vending plan and identify separate vending zones. 'The by-law prepared by us now serves as a guide for other corporations,' he said in his inaugural address after distributing the vending kiosks. Deputy Mayor K.A. Ansiya presided over.
