Coimbatore Corp's race against time !
The Coimbatore Corporation is working hard to implement infrastructure schemes at a fast pace, claims Mayor R. Venkatchalam.Speaking on the condition of roads in the city, the need to improve them and also provide various other amenities in a growing city, he says: "We have promised many things to the people. Now, we are aware that it is the Corporation's responsibility to provide them as quickly as possible."The Mayor's assurance on the schemes comes on the heels of a review by Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday of 13 schemes that are to be implemented under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.Mr. Venkatachalam points out that the entire Corporation machinery is working overnight to get the schemes cleared first by the State Government and then by the Central Government. The Union Ministry of Urban Development has introduced the mission for a major infrastructure development in 63 cities across the country. Coimbatore has been chosen, along with Chennai and Madurai, from Tamil Nadu.The Mayor says the Corporation realises that the next five years will decide how much Coimbatore can develop. "Therefore, there is no room for complacency over the schemes approved so far," he warns.
The Corporation has even put up on its website the status of the projects, as part of its transparency approach through which it wants the public to know of what is happening in the civic body.The stress on speedy implementation is because two out of the total seven years' mission period, have already elapsed.Secretary in the Ministry M. Ramachandran even pointed out during his recent visit here that some cities started off late and this is why there was a delay in the submission of City Development Plans.
As for Coimbatore, only three out of the 13 projects have reached the point where implementation can take off. Pilloor Phase II drinking water scheme and also projects for solid waste management and houses for slum dwellers are the ones cleared so far by the Central Government.The scheme for underground sewers for nearly 80 per cent of the city is yet to be cleared. But, there is hope of approval soon for the Rs.193-crore project, mooted in 1998 but held up for paucity of funds.Survey is on for traffic and transport improvement, including a Bus Rapid Transit System and flyover.The project cost is Rs.795 crore. A consultancy firm as submitted an interim report after a survey of water bodies for a scheme for their rejuvenation at Rs.874 crore.
