Interface between People and Govt at Coonoor
The need to find a lasting solution to the water problem at Coonoor was emphasised at an interface between people representing various sections of the society and the Nilgiris Collector Santosh K. Misra at Coonoor on Tuesday. It was organised by the Coonoor Citizens Forum (CCF).A resident Kuppuraj pointed out that the population of the town was rising steadily and the water supply was inadequate. He added that the civic administration should ensure a supply of 90 litres per head per day.The Chairman, Coonoor Municipal Council, M. Ramasamy, said that recently the department of local administration had sanctioned Rs. 8 crore for development of the Coonoor municipality. A portion of the amount would be utilised for de-silting and deepening the Raliah and Bandhami reservoirs, which were the main sources. Hopefully in another two months water-related problems would be tackled to a significant extent, he said.The Commissioner, Coonoor Municipality, Paapa Mayazhagu, said that the help of a consultant has been sought to replace distribution lines, which were not serving their purpose. Pointing out that many of the roads within the town were now being repaired at an estimated cost of Rs. 4.55 crore, Mr. Ramasamy said work on improving the roads in the interior areas would commence soon.
Mr. Misra assured that steps would be taken to overcome various shortcomings in the town.The complaints regarding the public conveniences not only in Coonoor but also in Udhagamandalam would be looked into. Obstacles like fallen trees would be removed from the roads. Trees, which were considered to be dangerous to the people, would be felled. The crew of mini buses would be instructed to be courteous to the passengers.Representations regarding the repairing and re-opening of the Black Bridge at Wellington have been forwarded to the defence authorities. The Secretary General, United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI), Ullas Menon said that the construction of a gas-based crematorium at Wellington was being delayed due to insufficient funds.
The Divisional Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, E. Devarajan said that more buses have been pressed into service between Coonoor and Mettupalayam to meet the growing demand.The President, CCF, Chandru Raju Bettan welcomed the gathering. Among those who participated was the Revenue Divisional Officer, Coonoor Durai Ravichandran.
