Trichy Rads improvement project for 24Cr

TIRUCHI: The Tiruchi Corporation has drawn up proposals for improving city roads, in a total stretch of about 77 km, with storm water drains and pedestrian pavements at a cost of about Rs.24.30 crore.

The civic body will seek financial assistance from the State government either as a grant or loan-cum-subsidy through the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure and Financial Services Limited. A resolution to this effect was adopted at an urgent meeting of the Corporation Council, chaired by the Mayor Sarubala R.Tondaiman, here on Friday.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Mrs. Tondaiman pointed out that roads and other infrastructure had been repeatedly damaged due to rain and floods in the city since 2005. In the absence of allocation of funds under any major projects such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, the corporation has been pressing the State government for substantial funds for repairing the essential infrastructure.

There was a possibility of the corporation getting the funds, with 60 per cent of project cost to be raised as loans and 30 per cent coming by way of grant. The corporation would contribute 10 per cent from its general funds.

Responding to a complaint from the Ariyamangalam zonal chairman Jerome Arockiaraj (Congress) that zonal chairpersons were not consulted on the project, Mrs.Tondaiman clarified that the works to be executed would be finalised in consultation with them once the funds were obtained.

Earlier, the Mayor cited the modern slaughter house, the city’s second gasifier-based crematorium at Karumandapam, the tourism development works in Srirangam, and road repair works worth Rs.57 crores as some of the major projects executed by the corporation during 2007-08. Tenders for the drinking water supply augmentation scheme would be finalised shortly, she added.

J.Srinivasan of the AIADMK drew the attention of the Mayor to many of the pending projects such as the shifting of the Gandhi Market, establishing a water theme park and construction of pedestrian subways at important places such as the Mainguard Gate. He emphasised the need for creating adequate parking space for vehicles on prominent roads in the city.

Some of the councillors urged the Mayor to revive the proposal on construction of a commercial complex at Yanaikulam grounds.

Earlier, a cross-section of the councillors opposed the move to hike the charges for cremation at the electric/gasifier crematoria to Rs.900 and demanded a reduction. However, corporation officials explained that the charge has been fixed taking into account the expenditure involved and the facility would be operated on a non-profit basis.

The council approved a resolution for handing over the operation and maintenance of the crematoria to voluntary organisations.