Roadmap for the future

KOCHI: Giving fresh hope to the development projects in the city, the state government is planning to implement them in a time-bound manner. The new government led by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has already asked the Better Kochi Response Group to submit a detailed report on some of the key development projects. Accordingly, the agency has completed the study and submitted a detailed report on the various projects and action plans that need to be executed.The Better Kochi Response Group in its report has strongly recommended the need for a separate ministry or portfolio to be set up for the coordination of all development projects in ‘Kochi'. FlyoversThe report says that the work of the proposed Kundannoor, Vyttila, Palarivattom and Edappally flyovers should be taken up immediately. A second level flyover over south overbridge to cross MG Road should be built. There has to be another flyover from MG Road to Banerji Road to take a smooth right turn.Water transportThe water transport has to be improved, says the report. "The first step is to buy modern boats and introduce them on important routes. Buy readymade floating jetties for smooth landing," suggests the report.InfrastructureAs the width of the national highway is declared as 45 metres the widening has to be done on a war footing. The setback line of all new constructions to be such that the road can be widened to 60 metres in the future. Since the express highway will take time, flyovers and underpasses to be made at all existing national highway junctions for smooth commuting. Access to the national highway to be blocked by metal rails except at specific areas where they are allowed. Central medians to be built throughout the highway with minimum or no punctures between junctions. Express way project to be taken up again.Apart from this, the Better Kochi Response Group has given some general suggestions for the state as well.Green initiativeRain water harvesting, biogas plants and power saving devices like CFL lamps should be used. LED lamps to be made compulsory for medium and large houses.Building rulesBuilding rules to be amended to make them more progressive and development-friendly, says the report. Land acquisition rules to be modified so as to make land available for development projects faster. Transfer of development rights (TDR) to be implemented. School curriculumHealth studies like the ill-effects of alcohol, smoking, lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity to be introduced in the school curriculum.Hospital classificationClassification for hospitals (like hotels) considering facilities, availability of medical staff and hygiene to be introduced.TV channel for tourismStart Kerala's own TV channel for tourism. This can project Kerala-based tourism projects along with other projects in India and Asian countries. Hotels for womenHotels to be run and maintained by women.Vegetable cultivationVegetable cultivation to be promoted in urban and rural areas.  Housewives to be provided with necessary aids.