Latest news with #M.Anilkumar
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Pandarachira canal in West Kochi to be restored with international funding
The Kochi Corporation has drawn up a ₹100-crore project backed by international funding to restore the Pandarachira canal in West Kochi. The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) South Asia and Swiss Re will jointly implement the project. The Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance has agreed to fund the project through grants. The move comes close on the heels of criticism that canals in West Kochi were overlooked under the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS), a project to restore six critical canals in Kochi. A plant to treat wastewater draining into the Pandarachira canal has also been included in the project. Bridges and culverts will be altered to avoid flooding and facilitate the smooth flow of water during high and low tides. A permanent system will also be set up to facilitate smooth flow by preventing solid waste and hyacinth from obstructing the flow. Sustained clearance of silt, controlling pollution, strengthening the sidewalls of the canal, and construction of other necessary structures on stretches without sidewalls are also part of the project. A walkway alongside the canal, an open space, and a play area have also been envisaged. The first phase will cover 2.30-km stretch of the canal. The canal also serves as the border of Kochi and Palluruthy. The project is expected to benefit future projects like the restoration of the Pashni canal in Palluruthy. 'Steps have been taken to prepare a detailed project report [DPR]. Linking the Pandarachira canal with water transport networks and community participation in the maintenance of the canal are also part of the DPR,' said Mayor M. Anilkumar while presiding over a meeting of company representatives and officials. Matter Lab, a sister concern of Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society, has been entrusted with preparing the DPR for ₹50 lakh. The DPR will be ready within four months. The Pandarachira canal was one of the main cargo routes to Kochi. However, the canal lost its significance with the development of road networks and the overall fall in the popularity of water transport. The stagnant canal has now become a source of pollution and waterlogging.
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.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Mayor inaugurates Samridhi@Kochi's maiden canteen at GCDA
Samridhi@Kochi, a budget hotel initiative being run jointly by the Kochi Corporation and the Kudumbashree Mission, opened its first canteen at the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) here on Monday. Mayor M. Anilkumar inaugurated the canteen. GCDA chairperson K. Chandran Pillai presided. Mr. Anilkumar marvelled at how Samridhi@Kochi was fast expanding beyond an initiative restricted to the Kochi Corporation. The canteen will be open to the public though food will be priced differently for the public and GCDA employees.
