Real estate firm chief arrested

The Palarivattom Police on Friday arrested Gireesh Kumar, managing director of Parthasarathy Properties Pvt. Ltd., on charge of cheating.

He was arrested for not handing over an apartment to a customer despite allegedly having received Rs.19.6 lakh as advance, said Sub-Inspector Gopakumar who is probing the case. The police said the firm had promised the complainant an apartment in its Agasthya project at Puthiyakavu near Tripunithura. The builder has projects in Maradu, Kakkanad and Tripunithura too. Other complaints are being verified. The charge is that he cheated customers to the tune of around Rs.1 crore. He is said to have been associated earlier with a real-estate firm whose co-owners were arrested a few months ago. Mr. Kumar was produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate court, Ernakulam, and remanded to judicial custody till March 8. The action against the builder follows an order issued by the City Police Commissioner M.R. Ajith Kumar to check cheating cases in the real-estate sector. The Kadavanthra police had on Tuesday arrested Ajay V. George, managing director of Star Homes Builders and Apartments, following complaints that he cheated customers.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2930870.ece

Two arrests in recent times, to add to Apple. Wonder how many more are in the offing?

Such incidents bring to light the dark underbelly of the real estate boom. High time the industry is regulated and speculative activity curbed. In such instances, genuine investors and buyers loose out and get entangled in legal cases, but the middle man and speculator would make off with their ill-gotten wealth.

^^ Buyer himself needs to do some study on builder before investing . Apple ,Star homes etc are low quality builders who are least preferred (or not at all preferred) by a sensible buyer

^^ Buyer himself needs to do some study on builder before investing . Apple ,Star homes etc are low quality builders who are least preferred (or not at all preferred) by a sensible buyer

The key problem is lack of a regulatory authority.... Most of the NRKs and middle class, always dream for a house something that they can afford. And its here these scrupulous people exploit, by over-highlighting cost effectiveness and value additions....

I don't blame on investors alone, as its easy to say why not Skyline or Abad etc, but difficult to approach them unless you have heavy pockets... Perhaps, I have gone to all so-called A class builders in 2008, for buying a flat... My budget was around 35-40 Lakhs at maximum and I hope its not any too low... But the response style of Skyline, Mather and many others were never encouraging.... For them, they project they cater for 50+ lakh projects and customers...... Infact, Abad the only one, who was already receptive in behaviour and style to customers and convinced me to book its 45 Lakh project, even though its was 5 lakhs beyond my budget.

I am sure, most of the middle class people and many NRKs can't afford thinking 50 lakh + projects, especially during those boom days... Its because of that unrealistic supply factors, so much scrupulous companies came up to lure customers looking for 15-30 lakh belt.....

Now, with prices of most of the aparatments came to realistic levels, the effects of such scrupulous companies will automatically come down...

Again, without a proper regulatory authority, its too difficult to customers to identify right ones..... For example, majority of people say, having a Credai membership by the builder is an indicator they are good, trustable companies. I have seen 2 or 3 builders listed in CREDAI Kochi's website, being dragged into court, even by celebrates for not able to deliver projects in time...

Kochi now part of ICLEI to tackle climate change (http://http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/kochi-now-part-of-iclei-to-tackle-climate-change/367337.html)

Kochi has been selected as one of the major cities in India by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) for the implementation of ‘Asian Cities Adapt’ project. ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organisations that have made a commitment to sustainable development.

The project would benefit the general public and address the serious negative impact of climate change.
The project also aims to provide information on better management of the impact of climate change, the strengthening of the awareness and the knowledge about potential risks of the climatic change at the local-level and suggesting measures to tackle it.

The project will be coordinated by the Central Government. The project was proposed by ICLEL and aims at increasing awareness, knowledge and capacity of local governments in India and the Philippines. As per the project, a collaborative effort will go into reducing the risk of climate change impacts faced by cities in both the countries through an integrated and cyclic management approach.

According to a top Corporation official, an Environment Task Force has been set up for implementing the project.

“The primary function of the task force will be the co-ordination of the project in the city. The force will make sure that the project is properly carried out in Kochi and will also monitor the mode of implementation and coordinate with various stake-holders of the project. It will also recommend policies, programmes and gather information,” he said.

The official said the project would address issues related to global warming which has a direct impact on the climate change. “The geographical conditions of the city will be given due consideration while formulating strategies to tackle the issues related with climate change. The population of the city, density of vehicles, carbon emission, drainage, pollution and other factors will also be considered,” he added.

He said Cusat would prepare a map of the city on a zonal basis which will mark the geographical specialities of each zones in the city.
“Green belt areas, mangroves, water bodies, the places which receive heavy rainfalls and densely populated areas will be marked separately,” he added.

Legal wrangles delay setting up of bus stops, toilets in the city (http://thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2937656.ece)

Efforts to set up of public toilets and bus stops in the city have been caught in legal battle, denying much needed facilities to the city dwellers.

If it is the dispute with the Public Works Department over the right to set up bus stops in the city roads that has delayed the bus shelter project, some individuals have obtained injunctions from courts against the opening of public toilets in the city.

Initially, the Kochi Corporation had plans to set up 52 bus stops in the city and the work orders were awarded to two agencies. One of them had fabricated 10 such units when the dispute broke out. As the issue reached the court, the bus stop project got delayed, said Kochi corporation authorities.

Challenging the move of the Kochi corporation authorities, the PWD authorities said that the corporation was trying to usurp its rights to establish the shelters.

The PWD has absolute right to set up bus stops on the roads owned by the agency and no other agency can interfere with that right, said P.I. Jose, the executive engineer of the department. Regarding the existing bus stops, all that the department attempted was to renovate and repair the dilapidated ones in the city. While allotting and setting up bus stops on the PWD roads, the department needs to get the clearance from the Motor Vehicle department and the police, he said.

Besides the existing ones, the department had sanctioned nearly 15 new ones too. There are no attempts to solve the issue through out of the court settlements, Mr. Jose said.

‘NO MANDATE'

On their part, the civic authorities said that the Kerala Municipalities Act empowered the local bodies to construct the bus shelters in their respective areas. The PWD didn't have the mandate for setting up the shelters, said a civic administrator.

The efforts of the civic authorities to set up public toilets had to be met with stiff public resistance. The non-availability of land in prime locations hit the project hard. Some individuals also took up the matter to the courts and obtained injunction against the projects, he said.

‘MAKE TOILETS ACCESSIBLE'

At the same time, one of the civic administrators said that the shops and other commercial establishments in the city should make the toilets in their buildings accessible to people. Earlier, the petrol pump owners in the city had agreed to keep the toilets in their establishments operational.

A meeting of the shop owners would be convened shortly to discuss the issue, he said.

Heritage plan to revive Old Mattanchery Bridge (http://http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/Heritage-plan-to-revive-Old-Mattanchery-Bridge/367700.html)

Even as the PWD is going on with a project to carry out the overall repair of the Old Mattanchery Bridge, another project aimed at renovating and preserving the bridge as a heritage monument is now fading into oblivion.
Though traffic has been banned on the bridge, the authorities concerned are still clueless about when the work can be commenced and when it will be complete.

The project was first proposed in 2005 by Union Minister K V Thomas. It was proposed that the bridge should be beautified and food courts and other amenities be set up in the area, to attract tourists. However, the project failed to go past the planning stage, as no steps were taken.
According to Thomas, lack of funds was not a reason for the non-implementation of the project. “Funds are still ready. The BPCL-Kochi Refinery has agreed to donate money for the beautification of the road starting from Alexander Parambithara bridge.

In addition to it, a sum of Rs 3 crore, allotted for developing the High Court-BTH Road into a model one, can also be utilised for beautifying and protecting the bridge, since the model road project has been delayed due to litigation,” said the minister.

“But there has to be sincere co-operation from the Kochi Corporation,” said Thomas. “If the bridge is transformed into a protected heritage monument, traffic on the bridge will have to be restricted, for which the corporation’s support is needed. Besides, the PWD and the Tourism Department also need to work in tandem if the dream is to be realised,” he said.
An engineering marvel of Kerala, the Old Mattanchery Bridge is a landmark of Kochi. The 72-year-old bridge has weakened considerably due to heavy traffic flow and lack of maintenance, though PWD officials claim that its foundations are still strong.

The bridge was built by Sir Robert Bristow, who masterminded the Cochin Port, to connect Willingdon Island to Mattanchery, which was a vibrant trading hub at the time. The construction was completed in 1938 and it was opened for traffic in 1940.

Kochi Hotels bags major Tourism awards

Kerala Tourism Department bagged an award for most innovative use of information technology, best website and portal.

Other awards for Kerala include;

Gateway by Taj - Kochi (Best 5* hotel)
Vivanta by Taj - Kumarakom (Best 4* hotel)
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Hospital - Kovalam (Best Wellness centre)
Le Meridien - Kochi (Best Hotel Convention centre)
Malabar House - Kochi (Best Heritage Classic Hotel)

Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=11135475&programId=1073753761&channelId=-1073751706&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=11)

Has anyone got idea about Kochi Oceanarium project? Even though its been in news for some time, its a major project as listed in Emerging Kerala portal. Any clue?

Has anyone got idea about Kochi Oceanarium project? Even though its been in news for some time, its a major project as listed in Emerging Kerala portal. Any clue?

KSIDC will go first for EC by its own, before being presented before potential investors. Since EC is the most toughest part of this project and the major concern, the corporation has finally decided to do by its own, rather going in parallel with identification of bidder.

Secondly once EC is accorded, then one can expect more larger and international players involving here.......

I have a recollection that some of the EOI parties made it clear that EC should be done by KSIDC, and they can be involved only after EC.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/419001_309616152429401_134294243294927_838451_1580775768_n.jpg

Satellite View of CIAL Golf and Country Club

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Outsiders-emerging-as-new-workforce/articleshow/11956550.cms
a small room carries 7-8 persons. nuff said!

What I am curious about is if there is already influx going on, won't it increase massively with 4-5 big projects: Kochi Metro/Tvm monorail/Calicut monorail/Kannur airport and even Aranmula airport planned? These 5 big projects may trigger large scale migration.

On another note, resenting migration is uncalled for. Just as Keralites contribute to the Gulf's development, these workers are helping Kerala develop and should be welcomed and treated equally. :)

Skoda has opened new dealership at Palarivattom NH.

Skoda has opened new dealership at Palarivattom NH.

You mean St. Antony's Motors ?

^^

May be. Not sure of dealer name.

St antony skoda it is.
There's a malayalam ford showroom that had opened opposite the merc between vtj hyundai and mgf volvo.

Have anyone been to EVOK Home Store? How's the outlet comparing to @HOME Store?

Stanley exclusive showroom at Vennala

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2123/39486030384280029701331n.jpg

FACT, Kochi port hoping for funds from budget (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2993130.ece)
Will Union Budget 2012-13 come to the aid of Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) and Cochin Port Trust?

The two public sector undertakings are at the crossroads. The fertilizer company has, in the past, sought working capital assistance but the requests have been turned down. Even the government-appointed consultant Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India had recommended a bridge-loan of more than Rs. 400 crore towards the working capital requirements of the company. The recommendation was turned down too.

FACT has, however, drawn up plans for expansion and diversification in view of the availability of LNG in Kochi after the commissioning of Petronet LNG-promoted terminal here.

The company had initially invited expression of interest from public sector undertakings to establish new production units, including a 2,000-tonnes-per day sulphuric acid plant; a 1,500 TPA urea plant; a 1,000 TPA NP complex fertilizer plant and an ammonia-urea complex. The plans involve a total investment of nearly Rs. 8,000 crore at both its Kochi and Udyogamandal divisions.

However, the invitation to expression of interest did not evoke any interest and FACT authorities have invited private companies to the project.

Meanwhile, the issue of pricing natural gas remains a bone of contention. The issue must be resolved before the company can sign a final agreement on gas purchase with GAIL India Limited, which is the gas distributor for the Kochi LNG project.

Kochi port, which is facing a severe funds crunch, had appealed to the Union government for about Rs. 400 crore over three years to meet the expenses on dredging. The Port's argument was that since the channels dredged by it are used by the Indian Navy and the Cochin Shipyard Limited the government could treat it as investment in infrastructure just like a stretch of national highway.

Though the request had been turned down, there is hope that there would be some help forthcoming considering the Port's financial position, which is expected to improve once container throughput increases at the International Container Transshipment Terminal.

Lulu seems to be a main point of discussion.
How is it that we don't have a thread for the whole complex including mall, hotel and office block?

Del

Lulu seems to be a main point of discussion.
How is it that we don't have a thread for the whole complex including mall, hotel and office block?

Do we need it really? It, even though a huge project, is comparable to any other mall development rather than a mixed use development. I feel it's better to keep with the Malls thread. Why segregate?

Do we need it really? It, even though a huge project, is comparable to any other mall development rather than a mixed use development. I feel it's better to keep with the Malls thread. Why segregate?

+100... I don't feel Lulu requires a separate thread as its more on mall focus and moreover its all set to open. What more updates can we make on it, once its open to regular business, just like we don't make any updates about Oberon now.....

Ohk....i get it.
The reason I said do was cos I know a lot of people who check up ssc just to know the status of lulu. If lulu were consolidated into one thread, could've been easier.
But you guys are right too.let's stick to how things currently are.

Rajini Haridas's Kochispeak (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/love-kochi-581)

http://anushayadav.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/7_Ranjini_AY_CCH.jpg

As someone who has had the opportunity to travel on and off, I land back in ‘Mera Pyaara Kochi’ with a feeling that things here couldn’t be more perfect.

For someone who couldn’t wait to get the hell out of this crazy city filled with crazier people till a decade ago, here I am, in love with Kochi, embracing everything the city has taught me.

I have to be honest. I used to hate the attitude of the people in general here. They are bothered less about what’s happening in their own homes, and more about what goes on in the neighbour’s house.

As a society, we are selfish to the core, and easily pass judgment on others. But why fret and fume over things that can’t be changed?

Instead, let’s look at the positive side. Then, what is it that I truly love about Kochi? The fact that this is the town of my birth should not be missed as my fondest memories are all about the ones that I had experienced here.

These are deeply ingrained in my memory. Ten years ago, if anyone asked me where I wanted to settle down, my ready answer was, ‘anywhere but here’. But when I left it and came back, I returned with every intent of leaving the city in a few months’ time, but the second time around something held me back. It has been over six years now; and here I am, refusing to leave my Kochi.

Now, I love everything the city has to offer. My most favourite thing about Kochi is the way it rains, making the entire city go green; the smell of wet earth, kids splashing around in pools of water, etc.

So, here I am, proud as hell to be a Malayali, irrespective of all our shortcomings, loving every moment of the time that I get to spend here. I wouldn’t wish to see it in any other way. I guess it’s true as what they say, home is where the heart is.

For a city that offers so much to its people, we need to give back to it as well. Small things go a long way. Let’s plant more trees, stop littering, keep this city clean and green. Spread love around!

Cross posting from Population Statistics Thread in Chaibar

Courtesy:- Muralee of Chennai SSC

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/latinohunk/20vinte/india.jpg

A very sad news to share with

Ernakulam District Collector Sheikh Pareeth's Son Thasleem Pareeth (26) passed away in an accident in Bangalore yesterday night. He was working in TCS Bangalore.

May his soul rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Pareeth and his family.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/1732012/1732012-md-ek-1/3831156.JPG

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/1732012/1732012-md-ek-2/311151.JPG

May his soul rest in peace. Death comes when one least expects it, so one should try ones best make use of time available to us. May God give strength to his whole family.

Tats a very sad news :(

DEL

Feel really sorry for one of the best collectors the district've got. Let almighty give the family the strength and support in this lean time.

^^^^^^^^^^

The people of Kochi, showed their love and concern to Collector and his family, by turning up in very large numbers when his deceased son's body reached Kochi. Infact everyone, including CM and all ministers and public at large, came to pay their last respects to the deceased and tried to console one of the best administrators of the city and his family in their most saddest day of life.

Much along with the city, we too share their grief and pray that God give strength to the family in this hour of crisis.

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2012/03/18/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2012_03_18_F_LO_002/28_364_1460_1428.jpg

Rapid urbanisation has left a deep impact on the water resources here.

Below-30-Kochiites will hardly believe that the fabulously expensive strip of land west of Shanmugham Road was the shallow edge of an estuary; that MG Road was once part of a flourishing wetland and that Panampilly Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor were pokkali fields.

Studies have found that alternate rows of swales ( pokkali fields) and sandbars, running from north to south, were the dominant features of what is today the city of Kochi.

Canals and large swathes of wetlands have given way to thoroughfares and arterial roads.

V. N. Sivasankara Pillai, an expert in environmental studies, recalled that the evolution of Cochin alluvial bars followed a regular pattern. “Such a pattern had avoided flooding problems effectively, as natural run-off had a place to flow into. The situation was further confounded when railroads were laid, giving rise to artificial ridgelines dividing natural watersheds.

Numerous culverts en route choked all the canals, partly impeding inland navigation and reducing flood-discharge capacity,” he said.

Dr. Pillai said that unchecked reclamation for real estate development led to the disappearance of wetlands in several areas in Kakkanad. Konoth Puzha was a large freshwater source before it was reclaimed.

Kadambrayar was also a major water source before it became heavily polluted.

Studies conducted by Cochin University of Science and Technology have found that Mullassery canal, Thevara canal, Perandoor canal, Karanakkodam thodu, Koithara thodu, Edappally thodu, Poorni puzha, Changadampok thodu, Kharee thodu and Puncha thodu were once freshwater sources but are now heavily polluted.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article3019071.ece

Mullassery Canal and Perendoor Canal were once freshwater sources! Today sewers in many parts of the world have a better quality of water than these two canals, and this is despite the crores spend by Corporation & Irrigation dept on "developing" these canals! Just explains the one-sided or unsustainable nature of development.

It seems, Kochi is all set to save UDF govt from crumbling, with Piravom almost making a landslide victory to UDF Candidate Anoop Jacob......

Hope this will stablize the UDF Govt and will help to carry out developments projects for the city, which lost its 5 years eariler....

ആമ്പല്ലൂര്* ഇലക്ട്റോണിക് സിറ്റി ഇനി പതിയമ്പുറത്ത് വെയ്ക്കാം

(പതിയമ്പുറം: പഴയ തരം അടുപ്പിന്റെ മൂലയ്ക്ക് കുറച്ച് ചൂടുകിട്ടുന്ന സ്ഥലം)

^^

:lol: Hope it doesn't go that way.

The election result just shows how a good government can win hearts of people.

^^ The most visible development is ROADS... it has improved a lot :cheers:

ആമ്പല്ലൂര്* ഇലക്ട്റോണിക് സിറ്റി ഇനി പതിയമ്പുറത്ത് വെയ്ക്കാം

(പതിയമ്പുറം: പഴയ തരം അടുപ്പിന്റെ മൂലയ്ക്ക് കുറച്ച് ചൂടുകിട്ടുന്ന സ്ഥലം)

rightly said , further movements in electronic city will happen in 2014.....Loksabha elections

The election result just shows how a good government can win hearts of people.

Do you really think so??? I'm just wondering :nuts:

Anyway the decision of people from Piravom was right and bright, as they are gonna get one young minister. If he have the capability to do things in right way , it will be good for Kerala. Palleelachan paranjondo , umman saarinte vegatha kanditto aayirikkilla piravathukar vottu cheythath ennu njan viswasikkan thalparyappedunnu :) - Athrem mandanmarano avar?

^^

Comparing what previous LDF ministry did in the 1st year, i am sure this govt. has provided much quality governance.

It seems, Kochi is all set to save UDF govt from crumbling, with Piravom almost making a landslide victory to UDF Candidate Anoop Jacob......

Hope this will stablize the UDF Govt and will help to carry out developments projects for the city, which lost its 5 years eariler....

Was it the UDF govt that announced the Amballore project? Did the Kochi metro preparation works started during this government's term? Also, the Kochi - Coimbatore Industrial corridor was Oommen chanty's idea? Metro initiative got lot of support from Central Government during the previous five years...

^^

Comparing what previous LDF ministry did in the 1st year, i am sure this govt. has provided much quality governance.

Can you please define quality governance?

Can you please define quality governance?

Quality is a variable term depending upon its users and how they precevie and experience it.....

For example, I don't find quality in highlighting Rs 2 Rupee Rice.... Rather I would appreciate a quality Job that helps me to buy Rice at Market prices....

At the same for a beggar on road, will never distinguish whether his rice is ordinary White rice or Basmati rice, as its not quality, rather hunger that gets priority.... So for him, the word quality means who gives food at right time.......

But for many of us, we believe, quality is something that one does or atleast makes other believe they are doing.... No one said, previous LDF govt is a failure.... But may be their focus was on social welfare schemes, even though they planned and charted out many good projects like Kerala HSR, CCIC etc. But without making others perceive they are working on it, it makes no use.... Investors must feel confidence, the govt is serious, than making one-liner statements in legislature.

I believe in a govt, that can empower a society to fish in high seas and make a deal by ourselves than making a society stand before a shop providing cooked fish on subsidy...... In this process, for many of us, quality is provide opportunity to fish than get cooked fished......

Was it the UDF govt that announced the Amballore project? Did the Kochi metro preparation works started during this government's term? Also, the Kochi - Coimbatore Industrial corridor was Oommen chanty's idea? Metro initiative got lot of support from Central Government during the previous five years...

m nt a supported of udf,but a supporter of leftist "chinthagathi"
but when u compare the performance of this govt,they have impressed me.
Practice is better than preach.Atleast these guys have shown some execution skills; in this forum, only visible progress matters, other things can be discussed in some other place and even I might join your views..

^^

Comparing what previous LDF ministry did in the 1st year, i am sure this govt. has provided much quality governance.

It will be difficult for you to justify your statement with real facts, until any of the new government proposals get materialized. We have discussed much about 'VAT' Babu and 'good for nothing-kunju and their activities last few months,and in the limelight of the Piravom victory, one could not forget the fact that nothing new in kochi's account for the last one year, no single stone moved at SPAP Road extn and smartcity project sites. The noticable happenings are VMH and metro work, those cannot be claimed by present govt.

m nt a supported of udf,but a supporter of leftist "chinthagathi"
but when u compare the performance of this govt,they have impressed me.
Practice is better than preach.Atleast these guys have shown some execution skills; in this forum, only visible progress matters, other things can be discussed in some other place and even I might join your views..

When the first stone for the VMH moved, that also impressed me. But, if I remember correctly, it happened sometime back. Also, no stone can be moved without a concept and a plan!!

It will be difficult for you to justify your statement with real facts, until any of the new government proposals get materialized. We have discussed much about 'VAT' Babu and 'good for nothing-kunju and their activities last few months,and in the limelight of the Piravom victory, one could not forget the fact that nothing new in kochi's account for the last one year, no single stone moved at SPAP Road extn and smartcity project sites. The noticable happenings are VMH and metro work, those cannot be claimed by present govt.

ഇടതു ഭരണ കാലത്ത് കൊച്ചിയെന്നു കേള്കാര് പോലും ഇല്ലാര്നു.

In last one year roads have improved a lot..a hell lot infact..:) SPAP Extensionum nadakum...ennu paranju naale pani thudangan pattillalo..it will take time..

^^

Can you tell me what substantial achievement can be claimed by LDF govt. in the 1st year?

Achu Mama was going all over the place with dozens of JCB, great achievement!!
Check with this govt. have done in the 1st year. I am talking from a Kochiite point of view!

^^ You mean RKPV rt ? Not me :)

^^

Yep! To all those who insist that previous LDF govt. did far better things. I am not onto a political debate. Discuss from a neutral point of view.

When the first stone for the VMH moved, that also impressed me. But, if I remember correctly, it happened sometime back. Also, no stone can be moved without a concept and a plan!!
In most of the cases, things are stuck at concept/planinng stage. We should consider the fact that left was strong only here and they might have got less/no support from centre even if they wanted to do something. These factors might have helped udf to showcase their execution capabilities. But still as I said "visible progress" matters.

In democracy you are left with an option of choosing the best among what is available . Not necessary that its actually the best ..

however I agree to Sree_EC. UDF has been impressive till date..
If they stay united as in Piravom LDF stand No chance.. LDF has understood this <from Pinarais statement yesterday>. I hope UDF also realizes this.

In democracy you are left with an option of choosing the best among what is available . Not necessary that its actually the best ..

however I agree to Sree_EC. UDF has been impressive till date..
If they stay united as in Piravom LDF stand No chance.. LDF has understood this <from Pinarais statement yesterday>. I hope UDF also realizes this.

^^+1000

^^ Ya..SP-AP extension and widening is of top most priority as it can reduce the bottleneck on NH bypass significantly..

Hi-tech identification for hoardings in city (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3078394.ece)
The city corporation is going high-tech in regulating the billboards and other advertisements displayed in the city.

The corporation has contracted Keltron, the public sector electronic company, for installing Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) system in all the advertisement boards that are displayed in the city. The technical and tax-related details regarding the hoardings can be read with hand-held readers.

REMOTE MONITORING

Once the display rights are cleared for an advertiser, he will be provided with an electronic chip which is to be installed in the board.

The details of the advertisement board including the payment of tax can be monitored from the corporation office and hand-held card readers.

Such a system will make the job easier for the authorities, said K.J. Sohan, Chairman of the Town Planning Standing Committee of the corporation.

The introduction of the new system forms part of the bylaw the civic body is planning to enact shortly.

A draft bylaw regulating the display of advertisement hoardings will be presented at the Corporation Council meeting to be held on Thursday for approval.

The bylaw will list the dos and don'ts regarding the putting up of hoardings and display boards in the city.

There will be restrictions on the size, height and areas where the boards can be displayed.

The no-go areas and mandatory clearances that have to be obtained for displaying them will also be enlisted. Regulations will also be introduced for the hoardings that are erected at private holdings, he said.

The corporation has the powers to enact bylaws for streamlining its activities. Penal provisions as prescribed by the Kerala Municipal Rules have been incorporated in the legislation.

Bylaw drafted

The bylaw has been drafted after obtaining legal opinion and discussions in the Steering Committee and the Town Planning Standing Committee. The bylaw will become operational from the date on which the State government notifies the legislation.

The introduction of the bylaw will widen the advertisement tax net of the corporation besides streamlining the tax collection process.

The corporation can also decide on the manner in which the revenue from advertisement can be collected. The enactment of the bylaw will give a legal framework for the tax collection and related areas, said Mr. Sohan.

^^

Can you tell me what substantial achievement can be claimed by LDF govt. in the 1st year?

Achu Mama was going all over the place with dozens of JCB, great achievement!!
Check with this govt. have done in the 1st year. I am talking from a Kochiite point of view!

First of all, to avoid a misperception, let me say I am not a communist or hard core LDF supporter. As the majority of Keralites, my political views also slightly lean towards socialist democracy, and we can see there are several successful implementations of that ideology, in our state by both UDF and LDF governments.

Why you are asking about '1st year' - is there any specific important for the first year? If so, What is this govt did in first year for Kochi ?

ഇടതു ഭരണ കാലത്ത് കൊച്ചിയെന്നു കേള്കാര് പോലും ഇല്ലാര്നു.

In last one year roads have improved a lot..a hell lot infact.. SPAP Extensionum nadakum...ennu paranju naale pani thudangan pattillalo..it will take time..

I think you might have not checking this forum frequently, when LDF was in rule :). Still I can say, VMH, Thiru Kochi , efforts for Metro rail, Infopark expansions, Electronic city, genuine efforts to bring up some IT SEZ like HDIL and Sobha city, was going well.

And, It is metro rail corporation, which have done the work for re-surfacing most of the connecting roads in Kochi recently, not local or state govt. Till now i haven't heard any achievement by this govt for Kochi from anyone of you. And we have seen, Thiru kochi buses are called back and , At one point, UDF was trying a failed attempt to block Sreedharn's control over Kochi metro rail .

^^

Importance of 1st year is that current govt. has been there for almost an year now!

LDF govt. did announce many things, sanctioned funds by mouth, but nothing concrete was done. It was after this govt. took chair, most of the projects started moving.

BTW, i have only developmental and peaceful political align.

^^

Importance of 1st year is that current govt. has been there for almost an year now!

LDF govt. did announce many things, sanctioned funds by mouth, but nothing concrete was done. It was after this govt. took chair, most of the projects started moving.

BTW, i have only developmental and peaceful political align.

Your "developmental and peaceful political align" is very much visible from your posts. So, no need to explicitly say that!!!

So, can you list down what the government did for Kochi by its own initiative during the last one year. They can only talk about projects started during previous government. Even shameless to list a project announced by BPCL in the budget...

Also, why restricting your comparison for one year. There was another 5 year rule by Oochu government before LDF. If they had done so much for Kochi during those 5 years, oh all kochiites would have been living in 'heaven' by now!!!

BTW, I am a left leaning person. Oh and I have love for development and peace too. Used to contribute my ideas for development of Kochi in a forum meant for 'now'. But, stopped now... Just started posting here now as I felt it is getting too one sided political discussion

I think you might have not checking this forum frequently, when LDF was in rule :). Still I can say, VMH, Thiru Kochi , efforts for Metro rail, Infopark expansions, Electronic city, genuine efforts to bring up some IT SEZ like HDIL and Sobha city, was going well.

And, It is metro rail corporation, which have done the work for re-surfacing most of the connecting roads in Kochi recently, not local or state govt. Till now i haven't heard any achievement by this govt for Kochi from anyone of you.

Can you please clarify, what you meant by achievements of LDF rule?

VMH --> Ok, point taken

Thiru Kochi --> Don't really know what is the value addition by these buses
when there are so many private buses already on roads

Efforts for Metro rail ---> Not even preparatory works were started by LDF

Inforpark expansion ---> One building of approx 5 lakh sft, over 5 years (laughable indeed)

Smart City ---> Agreement signed after 5 years of wrangling.. nothing more was achieved

HDIL, Shobha City ---> Only paper projects

Electronics City ---> Other than making announcement, did the LDF govt even make any land acquisition for this project?

Considering the above realities, when you say you are not LDF supporting ---> You must be thinking all of us have fallen from the sky to believe that!!! :bash:



And, It is metro rail corporation, which have done the work for re-surfacing most of the connecting roads in Kochi recently, not local or state govt. Till now i haven't heard any achievement by this govt for Kochi from anyone of you.

Please check status of Edappally ROB, Ponnurunni ROB, Salim Rajan ROB, North ROB... And all this in 10 months or so...

Please check status of main roads, as well many of the small by-lanes in the city... Don't tell me even the by-lanes are being re-surfaced by KMRL.... And even for the roads that are being re-resurfaced by KMRL --> As of today KMRL is a 100% state govt owned corporation.. Until the equity infusion by Central govt, it will continue to be a 100% state govt owned corporation... So, the achievements of KMRL are indeed the achievements of the state govt...

^^The question is still on.
It can be "what the government did for Kochi by its own initiative during the last one year.?"
or
"Till now i haven't heard any achievement by this govt for Kochi from anyone of you."

^^

Importance of 1st year is that current govt. has been there for almost an year now!

LDF govt. did announce many things, sanctioned funds by mouth, but nothing concrete was done. It was after this govt. took chair, most of the projects started moving.

BTW, i have only developmental and peaceful political align.

Friend.... I thank God for small mercies..If your United Development Front's original Smart City plan had come into effect , it would have been bye bye Cyber Park, Kozhikode.

Efforts for Metro rail ---> Not even preparatory works were started by LDF

Please check status of Edappally ROB, Ponnurunni ROB, Salim Rajan ROB, North ROB... And all this in 10 months or so...


Metro Rail - If memory serves rightly , the Planning Commission refused to consider this earlier. Govt changed to UDF and suddenly Montek Sir grants his consent. Hallelujah..may miracles never cease...

Edappally ROB in 10 months... wow...so construction started after election results were announced or after swearing in of Mr Chandy as CM?

Manorama report (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=11281812&programId=1073753760&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@) says, different lobbies are trying to upset oil exploration activities in Kochi to gain more profit by importing oil from outside India and selling at a higher price

Manorama report (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=11281812&programId=1073753760&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@) says, different lobbies are trying to upset oil exploration activities in Kochi to gain more profit by importing oil from outside India and selling at a higher price

I don't think, its true in anyway, as Kochi's anyway donot have oil reserves to fuel the nation completely, to tremble the lobbies..... It will still minuscule to India's growing Energy needs... Moreover it could have been true, if We were in some 30-40 years where IOC/HP/BPCL have monopoly and being PSU, it won't matter for them to stop exploring oil resources for sake of import lobby...

Today with oil giants like RIL, Essar and many other big and small JVs, the sector is highly competitive and if its worth, surely we see lobbying to explore it, just like how it happened in Krishna Basin....

Its known, there are reserves. But many not be profitable in today's technology terms with its costs to take out it.... May be a better technology and less cost effective means helps to make some activities sooner or later.....

I don't think, its true in anyway, as Kochi's anyway donot have oil reserves to fuel the nation completely, to tremble the lobbies..... It will still minuscule to India's growing Energy needs... Moreover it could have been true, if We were in some 30-40 years where IOC/HP/BPCL have monopoly and being PSU, it won't matter for them to stop exploring oil resources for sake of import lobby...

Today with oil giants like RIL, Essar and many other big and small JVs, the sector is highly competitive and if its worth, surely we see lobbying to explore it, just like how it happened in Krishna Basin....

Its known, there are reserves. But many not be profitable in today's technology terms with its costs to take out it.... May be a better technology and less cost effective means helps to make some activities sooner or later.....
It could be lobbying from private players also to stop Public organisations to take advantage of the reserve so that they can get in at a later point and make money out of it

It could be lobbying from private players also to stop Public organisations to take advantage of the reserve so that they can get in at a later point and make money out of it

Its high time, we should stop distinguishing Public or Private sector.... It makes little relevance on many things like this and perhaps a private sector makes more better.... I personally would like to see RIL or Essar considering a mega investment into this sector for Kochi.

After all, Oil being a national property, doesn't make any major difference for Kerala to control the resource.... The only areas which the state can look could be some additional sales taxes, new plants/terminals thereby creating more employment and host of other indirect advantages like access to more cheaper natural gas etc for its industries etc......

These things can be assured, whether its going to be RIL or ONGC or HP......

Its high time, we should stop distinguishing Public or Private sector.... It makes little relevance on many things like this and perhaps a private sector makes more better.... I personally would like to see RIL or Essar considering a mega investment into this sector for Kochi.

After all, Oil being a national property, doesn't make any major difference for Kerala to control the resource.... The only areas which the state can look could be some additional sales taxes, new plants/terminals thereby creating more employment and host of other indirect advantages like access to more cheaper natural gas etc for its industries etc......

These things can be assured, whether its going to be RIL or ONGC or HP......
Advantages of public sector over private is pretty obvious in whichever field it is. More importantly when the public player 'has' the capacity to do things

what are the views on the skycity project which got approved by our government? from the news flow, it seems like the developer is fighting tooth and nail to get over all objections.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2993909.ece
from a cursory view of the website, it seems quite poorly planned with no clear vision as to what they want to do.

^^

This project is never going to happen.

The project is so ill-concvied, that it even fails to get approvals of more progressive and urban crowd than traditional environmentalists... Moreover, most of the buliders who have built up many impressive water front apartments on banks of Chilavanoor Lake, will never allow Yasoram to take off with this project, which will not just destroy the beauty of such lake, but also other issues.

Secondly GCDA along with RBCK is planning to develop Atlantis Flyover over with proper development of Bund Road, connecting Kundanoor with CBD. This exactly serve the utility of so called Skycity, as it provide alternative to SA Road and Jawahar Nagar.........

The project is so ill-concvied, that it even fails to get approvals of more progressive and urban crowd than traditional environmentalists... Moreover, most of the buliders who have built up many impressive water front apartments on banks of Chilavanoor Lake, will never allow Yasoram to take off with this project, which will not just destroy the beauty of such lake, but also other issues.

Secondly GCDA along with RBCK is planning to develop Atlantis Flyover over with proper development of Bund Road, connecting Kundanoor with CBD. This exactly serve the utility of so called Skycity, as it provide alternative to SA Road and Jawahar Nagar.........

It seems like the govt establishment is hell bent on justifying the approval. I saw a debate on one of the regional channels put up in youtube about it in which a minister was justifying it. The trouble is that the so called environmentalists/buddhijeevis opposing it right now have such flimsy arguments against the project that it is laughable(one guy who came on the debate was talking about the security threat to the naval base due to this!!). I would have understood if it were done by a credible group with execution capabilities like a larsen and toubro but this is what I found on their site
http://www.yasoramskycity.com/html/yasoram_group.htm

It seems like a family run firm in which the promoter's big dreams are never questioned. I can't believe that such a project with such impact has been awarded to this group. I am sure that they will not even get a loan for this project unless there is pressure from the govt. May be the minister has some vested interest in the project. I can already see the project running into trouble half way after they have dug up the lake and erected pillars. Hope our govt has some sense and either stalls the project right now or awards it to a better developer.

^^^^^^^^

Leave those half baked idiotic environmentalists.... They represent a mafia to stall every project... Put some money into their mouth, they will keep their mouth shut..... We all saw the attitude of so called Neelakandan and his gang in Mullaperiyar case, which has to do with real environment and safety

But in this case, there is a clear issue of environment, which a layman can understand. Its impossible to construct few apartments in middle of a lake and then claim not environment issue..... Even a floating houseboat has environmental issue in vast expanse of Vembandu lake.... Then how come regular permanent bldgs donot posses no environment issues?

Simple issues like sewage, waste management, water supply, electricity etc can help one to think, how can this come up over a freshwater lake? Rather those idiot Neelakandan is more concerned about Naval safety. If Navy feels, its security is compromised, it has full powers to stop the project, which is not any kandan's concern.....

Anyway whether Govt supports or not, surely this project will not take off... Public is against, architects are against and Ministry of Environment will also be against. So I don't feel this project will not take off..........

Manorama report says, different lobbies are trying to upset oil exploration activities in Kochi to gain more profit by importing oil from outside India and selling at a higher price

Oil exploration is risky business. Even private companies like Reliance, Cairn, Videocon etc. relinquished many oil and gas fields even after spending huge money for exploration. Huge amount of shale gas is discovered in states like West Bengal. Govt. should give priority to auction shale gas fields as early as possible. Shale gas exploration is risky. But we don't have any other choice.

We should stop imitating others and do what is good for us. Gulf countries are exploring more oil because they have huge reserves and they can extract oil economically. Kerala has huge thorium and titanium reserves. We should give importance to projects which help us to unlock value of our abundant natural resources. Construction of our fast breeder reactor is almost over.

:lol:Friend.... I thank God for small mercies..If your United Development Front's original Smart City plan had come into effect , it would have been bye bye Cyber Park, Kozhikode.

You have no option but to thank God for SMALL MERCIES... because the LDF govt only managed to deliver the smallest of mercies to the people of Kochi!!! Like Thiru Kochi buses, on already congested bus routes :lol::lol::lol:


Why do all the leftists harp on Infopark being proposed to be handed over to the Smart City project about 8-10 years ago, whenever the performance of LDF govt is questioned???? That is the flimsiest argument when the abject performance of LDF govt is questioned.. :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Since there is nothing to showcase to defend the performance of the LDF govt, the leftists are trying to get away from accepting the blame by throwing mud on the other party :bash:

That is indirectly admitting that the performance of LDF govt on the developement front was pathetic...

Metro Rail - If memory serves rightly , the Planning Commission refused to consider this earlier. Govt changed to UDF and suddenly Montek Sir grants his consent. Hallelujah..may miracles never cease...



If BJP govt in Karnataka can get approvals / funds for Bangalore Metro and Left govt in Bengal can get approvals / funds for Kolkota Metro; how come LDF govt in Kerala couldnt have done it???? Don't bring politicallly motivated excuses :bash: for pathetic performance of LDF on the development front...

And how come the LDF govt didnt start any preparatory works for Metro, and instead let hundreds of crores of JNNURM funds to lapse? Any politically motivated excuses for this as well???

Cross posting from Chennai thread

Toys of the billionaire boys (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/chennai/toys-billionaire-boys-623)

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/26MANOJ-LULLA-WITH-CAR-CUT.jpg.crop_display.jpg
Manoj Lulla with his mean machine.

What happens when two supercar enthusiasts get together?

The launch of a very exciting car club that focuses not only on car shows, but also offers integral services and other activities to supercar owners!

Manoj Lulla, Chairman of the Madras Exotic Car Club explains, “I have owned supercars for the last seven years. Initially, there were very few owners in the South. Today, there are a lot more and we can provide them with a host of services. The South has always had a fascination for cars, especially Coimbatore and Kochi. Later, we plan to spread to other cities in the South as well.”

About the membership fees Manoj says, “We plan to tie up with leading automobile brands to offer special experiences at this elite club. Initially, we will not charge the members a fee, but once we feel that they see the value of being with our club then we will accept membership fees, that too on invitation only. We plan to host three to four events every year to begin with and then increase the number in the coming years.”

Bal Singh George, who will also sponsor the venture, sounds extremely thrilled about it. He owns a Rolls Royce Ghost, the first to be delivered in the whole of the Asia Pacific region. He also has a Mercedes SL 600, still the only one of its kind in India and a Ferrari 458 Italia parked in his villa.

The supercar enthusiast says, “We are planning to have a drag race on April 1. The highlight will be Manoj’s Lamborghini racing with my Ferrari. I’m sure the younger lot who are enthusiastic and passionate about swanky cars will find this an interesting initiative. Not to mention the other car lovers who can afford these beauties.”

The club will be launched on March 31 at Taj Coromandel with seating arrangement for 600 people along with food and beverages. The track day is on April 1, which is when Chennai will witness the likes of Bentleys, Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis zooming down the roads.

:lol:

You have no option but to thank God for SMALL MERCIES... because the LDF govt only managed to deliver the smallest of mercies to the people of Kochi!!! Like Thiru Kochi buses, on already congested bus routes :lol::lol::lol:


Why do all the leftists harp on Infopark being proposed to be handed over to the Smart City project about 8-10 years ago, whenever the performance of LDF govt is questioned???? That is the flimsiest argument when the abject performance of LDF govt is questioned.. :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Since there is nothing to showcase to defend the performance of the LDF govt, the leftists are trying to get away from accepting the blame by throwing mud on the other party :bash:

That is indirectly admitting that the performance of LDF govt on the developement front was pathetic...



If BJP govt in Karnataka can get approvals / funds for Bangalore Metro and Left govt in Bengal can get approvals / funds for Kolkota Metro; how come LDF govt in Kerala couldnt have done it???? Don't bring politicallly motivated excuses :bash: for pathetic performance of LDF on the development front...

And how come the LDF govt didnt start any preparatory works for Metro, and instead let hundreds of crores of JNNURM funds to lapse? Any politically motivated excuses for this as well???

You seem to read well and have good general knowledge!!
Please check when did the preparatory works for Kochi Metro started.. Then come and write here..
In Karnataka there is no Oochu to go to Delhi and block development of state. Also, Leftists in Bengal will not do anything against the state. So, their metro will get approved!!
Leftists are not bringing up Infopark issue when someone question about LDF performance. It is being brought up when Smart City issue is being talked about.
Also, you may be traveling in ferrari to not to understand the benefits of introducing Thiru-kochi buses. Poor people like us benefitted a lot. UDF will not support Thiru-kochi because kalamassery kunju has an interest in the "red killers" of Kochi.

Consumer-friendly infrastructure lacking (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/consumerfriendly-infrastructure-lacking/242758-60-122.html)
The business community in the city has high hopes from the Corporation budget 2012-13. From a road repairing unit to multi-level parking facilities, the business community has suggested innovative ways to combat the city’s core problems.
“The city lacks a consumer-friendly infrastructure. We have raised this issue with the Corporation and expect the budget to have the solutions for the same,” said K N Marzook, chairman, Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
"KCCI has proposed to construct an open air auditorium for the Corporation on the condition of availability of land in the vicinity of the Goshree Bridge near the extended Marine Drive. It has also proposed to build a permanent exhibition centre in the city. If entrusted, KCCI shall also undertake the maintenance of the Town Hall as well as the Subash Chandra Bose Park. All these will ensure that the leisure component of Kochi goes up,” added Marzook.
Good roads and parking facilities also figure in the priority list of the community.
“The main reason behind the pathetic condition of the city’s roads is that the potholes are neglected and allowed to grow. A road repairing unit, like the ones that exist abroad, solves the problem by patching the small potholes as soon as they appear. This will not only help in reducing the maintenance cost of our roads but will also boost our infrastructure. Another aspect that needs immediate attention is the lack of parking facility in the city. Multi-level parking facilities, wherever space permits, will solve this issue,” said Venkatesh Pai, president, Kerala Merchants’ Union (KMU).
“The most common reason given by the Corporation for the non-implementation of developmental projects is the dearth of funds. This issue can be sorted out if the Corporation collects its tax arrears on a war-footing,” he added.

Government blocks new office for city police commissioner (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Government-blocks-new-office-for-city-police-commissioner/articleshow/12409268.cms)

I thought this project is already progressing.
This is the render of the proposed new City Police Commissionerate.
http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/4687/88261312.jpg
The city police are trying hard to crack this case. Fifteen months after the commissioner's office at the High Court Junction was pulled down, the cops are clueless when the new one would come up.

The Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation had big plans. It wanted to build a new office for the police commissioner in a 12-floor hi-tech building with a shopping mall.

Now the state government has refused to grant permission for the project. The government has refused to hand over the documents of the plot to the Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation for availing loan to carry out the construction.

"The government is against taking loan to construct a new building. The Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation wanted to build office spaces and shopping areas that would be rented out to private parties," said a source at the home department.

The new building was to be constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore, with state-of-the-art facilities. Ever since the old building, situated near the high court, was demolished in 2010 for constructing a new one, the office has been operating in a rented space at Revenue Towers in Kochi.

City police commissioner M R Ajith Kumar said they have been frequently apprising the government of the necessity to construct the new office. "We hope that the government will take a positive call soon," he said.

It seems Venugopal is taking strong action against sale of Manapattiparambu to real estate company on BOT basis.... It seems a good action:banana:

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2012/03/27/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2012_03_27_F_LO_002/760_80_1944_802.jpg

Bids on fancy number fetch Rs 11.69 lakh for DTO (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bids-on-fancy-number-fetch-rs-1169-lakh-for-dto/243033-60-122.html)

Rich getting fancier over fancy numbers. Lots of new luxury wheels in town.
KOCHI: The demand for fancy numbers for vehicles is on the rise. An auction of fancy numbers held at the District Transport Office (DTO) saw many bidders on Monday. “There is seldom an auction for fancy numbers which does not attract bidders. There were 25 numbers on auction and the department got Rs Rs 11.69 lakh by the end of the day,” said T J Thomas, District Regional Transport Officer.

The most in-demand number ‘01’ earned the highest bid this time too. P P Fayaz, a businessman bid Rs 3.35 lakh for KL 07 BU 01, which he intends to have on his Range Rover. The reserve price for the number was set at Rs 1 lakh. The second highest bidder paid Rs 3.10 lakh for KL 07 BU 07 to put on a Rolls-Royce.
The reserve price for the number was Rs 25,000. The third highest bid was for KL 07 BU 77.

You seem to read well and have good general knowledge!!
Please check when did the preparatory works for Kochi Metro started.. Then come and write here..


Please let us all know what prepatory work for Kochi Metro was done by LDF govt? Let me remind, we dont want to know about announcements and claims and budget promises by LDF govt.. we only want to know about what was done on the ground!!!!

after you have something to show that was achieved by the LDF govt ON THE GROUND, we will take your post more seriously :bash:


Also, you may be traveling in ferrari to not to understand the benefits of introducing Thiru-kochi buses. Poor people like us benefitted a lot. UDF will not support Thiru-kochi because kalamassery kunju has an interest in the "red killers" of Kochi.


I don't travel in Ferrari, but have been a patron of the red colored private buses of Kochi for 35 years. So, please withdraw your absurd statement :nuts:

If the LDF govt wanted to do something for the people of Kochi, they could have tried to tackle the water shortage problem, poor roads problem, lack of ROBs, mosquito problem, solid waste treatment problem, etc. etc....

Having done nothing on the above fronts, the leftists here are proudly celebrating the Thiru Kochi buses introduced by the LDF govt.. what a joke... :lol::lol::lol:

Please let us all know what prepatory work for Kochi Metro was done by LDF govt? Let me remind, we dont want to know about announcements and claims and budget promises by LDF govt.. we only want to know about what was done on the ground!!!!

after you have something to show that was achieved by the LDF govt ON THE GROUND, we will take your post more seriously :bash:




I don't travel in Ferrari, but have been a patron of the red colored private buses of Kochi for 35 years. So, please withdraw your absurd statement :nuts:

If the LDF govt wanted to do something for the people of Kochi, they could have tried to tackle the water shortage problem, poor roads problem, lack of ROBs, mosquito problem, solid waste treatment problem, etc. etc....

Having done nothing on the above fronts, the leftists here are proudly celebrating the Thiru Kochi buses introduced by the LDF govt.. what a joke... :lol::lol::lol:

Thank you for enlightening me. LDF Government didn't do anything. I just realized that when I read your post... Three cheers to Red buses. Their flash strikes are a blessing to Kochi. I just didn't understand the usage of "We" in your posts. Some gang? Anyway, I can't think of anything to show what LDF govt did on the ground. They did everything in sky. So, I know the gang will not take my post seriously. So sad. Anyway I am so depressed and leaving. :lol:

Three cheers to Red buses. Their flash strikes are a blessing to Kochi.

Are you arguing that the LDF govt started Thiru Kochi buses to mitigate the flash strikes by private buses? That is an interesting argument, considering the vast majority of strikes, hartals in Kerala are called and forced on the people by Leftist unions..

And what if the Thiru Kochi bus drivers and conductors go on strike (called by a Leftist union)? I am sure we can expect one in a few months time, now that the UDF govt is in power :lol:


I just didn't understand the usage of "We" in your posts. Some gang? Anyway, I can't think of anything to show what LDF govt did on the ground. They did everything in sky.


By "we" I meant all people who read the SSC forum on Kochi. Sorry to disappoint you, but I am not part of any gang :bash:

Okay guys,

It was good to see for and against arguments. Since its a matter of a political allegiance, every one their own interests and attitudes, which never syncs each other. Rather it would get worser and worser on a debate.

I would humbly propose, why not we stop this discussion and move ahead for other matters.....

Requesting your co-operation dear friends, to keep the peace and tranquility of Kochi SSC, while keeping the highest standards of forum decorum.

Okay guys,

It was good to see for and against arguments. Since its a matter of a political allegiance, every one their own interests and attitudes, which never syncs each other. Rather it would get worser and worser on a debate.

I would humbly propose, why not we stop this discussion and move ahead for other matters.....

Requesting your co-operation dear friends, to keep the peace and tranquility of Kochi SSC, while keeping the highest standards of forum decorum.

Sorry MI.. I don't know about others, but I was not arguing out of political allegiance...

I have consistently been talking only about what has been achieved on the ground.. In the process I have been tearing apart the arguments of some others which were not based on what was achieved on the ground...

Dont worry, If the UDF govt doesnt achieve anything on the ground, I will kick their behind without showing any mercy either :cheers:

Anyways, from my side, I will stop this debate here.

Leaving aside all announcements, preparations, master plans, approvals and all other paraphernalia, an objective assessment of what took place in the ground during the previous 5 years of LDF rule and the last one year of UDF rule are as follows:

LDF

Vallarpadom Terminal
Vytilla Mobility Hub
Container Road
Thiru Kochi Busses (this has indeed stopped the practice of red killers holding the city to ransom) & JNURM Busses (the credit is for not entrusting these busses with the Corporation. KSRTC is not a picture of efficiency but one can only imagine what would have happened if M/s Mercy and Chammany got their hands on these busses)
Pulleppady ROB


UDF
Ponnuruni, Saleem-Rajan & North ROBs
Babu Bridge of Tripunithura


Regarding roads, I would not give credit to UDF alone. The KSUDP funded development of Banerjee Road and Sahodaran Ayyapan Road started when LDF was in power and completed after UDF took over. True, UDF repaired and gave a face lift to many roads as part of the metro preparatory works, but it should be noted that most of these roads were in reasonable good shape towards the end of the LDF regime and had started deteriorating only when M/s Chandy & Chammany came into power. The Chittoor Road and Paramara Road are good examples of what I am saying..... and both of them failed to deliver on their promise of Pulleppady - Thammanam Road (LDF had promised to complete works in 6 months during the time the bridge was inaugurated and UDF had made a similar promise when they came to power)

Again, both the fronts had double standards on matters of toll. The LDF has always been against toll but went on to impose toll on the Pulleppady ROB. The UDF opposed this bitterly and made this an election issue, but has not removed the toll, and is now going to impose toll on the Edapally ROB as well!


Of course, a proper evaluation would be possible only after another four years, when we can evaluate if UDF walks the talk, especially with regards to Smart City and Metro. Maybe in another one year, depending on how the Metro and Smart City progresses, we will have a definite idea on whether the UDF really means business or is simply fooling the people.

Leaving aside all announcements, preparations, master plans, approvals and all other paraphernalia, an objective assessment of what took place in the ground during the previous 5 years of LDF rule and the last one year of UDF rule are as follows:

LDF

Vallarpadom Terminal
Vytilla Mobility Hub
Container Road
Thiru Kochi Busses (this has indeed stopped the practice of red killers holding the city to ransom) & JNURM Busses (the credit is for not entrusting these busses with the Corporation. KSRTC is not a picture of efficiency but one can only imagine what would have happened if M/s Mercy and Chammany got their hands on these busses)
Pulleppady ROB



To put some false arguments to rest...

Vallarpadom terminal ----> Delivered by Central Govt..

VMH ---> Delivered by LDF state govt

Container Road ---> Is a National Highway ----> Delivered by Central Govt... Only the land acquisition for this was done by state govt, however with complete funding from Central Govt

Thiru Kochi buses ----> Delivered by LDF State govt with I believe most of the funds coming from JNNURM funds from Centre (don't think they will have much impact in reducing strikes by Private buses, since 90% of public bus transport is still carried by Private buses... just wait and see...)

Pullepady ROB ---> Only the railway portion was needed to be completed.. this was delivered by Central Govt after the 2009 lok sabha elections when Kerala elected mostly UDF MPs to replace the LDF MPs of the previous term... and E. Ahmed become Railway minister of State....

@v3unn,
I think your arguments are not as objective as you think... Essentially, the 3 achievements of LDF over 5 years are VMH, Atulya (Infopark) and Thiru Kochi buses (if this is worthy of considering an achievement)...

Cheers! :cheers:

Notorious hacker group Anonymous has previously stated its intentions to shutdown the Internet on Saturday, March 31st, as a form of protest. “To protest SOPA, Wallstreet, our irresponsible leaders and the beloved bankers who are starving the world for their own selfish needs out of sheer sadistic fun, on March 31, anonymous will shut the Internet down,” the group stated last month. “Remember, this is a protest, we are not trying to ‘kill’ the Internet we are only temporarily shutting it down where it hurts the most.” Operation Global Blackout 2012 looks to shut down the Internet by disabling its core DNS servers, thus making websites inaccessible. Cyber security experts claim that it is unlikely that such an attack would be effective, however, and there is really no need to fear. Read on for more.

“The Anonymous hackers can certain cause local pockets of disruption, but these disruptions are going to be localized to networks where their attack machines are located, or where their ‘reflectors’ are located”, said Robert Graham of Errata Security. “It’s unlikely they could take all of them down, at least for any period of time. On the day of their planned Global Blackout, it’s doubtful many people would notice.”

Graham does issue a cautionary note, however. “Just because I say Anonymous can’t do it doesn’t it mean it can’t be done,” the security expert said on Errata’s blog.



Be aware if your internet does not work tomorrow. JFYI :)

To put some false arguments to rest...

Vallarpadom terminal ----> Delivered by Central Govt..

***

Container Road ---> Is a National Highway ----> Delivered by Central Govt... Only the land acquisition for this was done by state govt, however with complete funding from Central Govt

So?

What I said was "what took place in the ground during the previous 5 years of LDF rule" which may or may not necessarily be credited as achievements of the LDF government.

Again, the central govt might be the execution agency but do you think it is possible to execute any project without the support & co-operation of the state government? For example, if the state government had simply decided to go slow on LA for the road and rail, would the project have been fulfilled? (of course, they made a mess of Moolampally, but that's another issue.) Similarly, KSEB could have dragged its feet for power, delaying the project indefinitely......


VMH ---> Delivered by LDF state govt

At least you accept this

Thiru Kochi buses ----> Delivered by LDF State govt with I believe most of the funds coming from JNNURM funds from Centre (don't think they will have much impact in reducing strikes by Private buses, since 90% of public bus transport is still carried by Private buses... just wait and see...)


wait for what? .... strikes by private busses have already reduced significantly in the last 2 years.

and yes, now 90% of the routes are back with the red killers. This is when ideally when any government that gives priority to the welfare of the common citizens rather than to the interests of the "red killer" mafia should have made KSRTC/govt busses and private busses about 50% each, to prevent monopoly by any one group. The LDF started the process, but the UDF is now reversing the process..... and if you think I am making false arguments here, go and read the back issues of Malayalam Manorama itself...

and by the way, JNURM busses are with central funds, but Thiru Kochi busses are KSRTC busses with a brand name..... now who is brandishing false arguments?


Pullepady ROB ---> Only the railway portion was needed to be completed.. this was delivered by Central Govt after the 2009 lok sabha elections when Kerala elected mostly UDF MPs to replace the LDF MPs of the previous term... and E. Ahmed become Railway minister of State....

even before 2009, Congress/UPA was ruling the center. So do you mean to say that the Congress govt in the center will deny even the most basic of development projects to states/cities that happen to elect opposition MPs?

With supporters like you, the UDF/Congress does not need any enemies. :lol::lol::lol:


@v3unn,
I think your arguments are not as objective as you think... Essentially, the 3 achievements of LDF over 5 years are VMH, Atulya (Infopark) and Thiru Kochi buses (if this is worthy of considering an achievement)...


whoever you are, your agenda is very much evident from your posts...... especially since Thiru Kochi busses seems to be touching a raw nerve. Just about every one in the city has acknowledged its utility, but for some reason you remain oblivious to it.

The future is yet to come. If you say Thiru Kochi busses will go on strike, by the same logic I can say metro drivers/operators will also go on strike. Can you deny that the introduction of Thiru Kochi busses has till now put an end to the frequent strikes that the "red killers' subjected the city to on a frequent basis?

Rolls Royce registration fetches Rs 20.22 lakh for RTO (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Rolls-Royce-registration-fetches-Rs-20-22-lakh-for-RTO/articleshow/12476391.cms)
KOCHI: The registration of luxury vehicles has fetched the Ernakulam Regional Transport Office (RTO) a huge amount in the last few months.

The Rolls Royce Ghost, imported by Joy Alukkas group from London at a cost of about Rs 2.5 crore, is the latest addition to the luxury vehicle fleet that was registered in the city. The vehicle has fetched the RTO an amount of Rs 20.22 lakh as vehicle tax for 15 years.

In the beginning of 2012, the Ernakulam RTO had collected a total of Rs 25.14 in terms of road tax and became the first to collect the highest amount for a four-wheeler and two-wheeler. For the Yamaha YZS R1, that cost him Rs 13.65 lakh, Azrif Rasheed, owner of Oriental Timbers paid a tax of Rs. 75,000, the highest in two-wheeler category.

For his Roll Royce Ghost EWB, Dr GPC Nair, chairman of SCMS Group of Educational Institutions, had paid a tax of Rs 24.39 lakh for 15 years. For the vehicle that was imported from United Kingdom for Rs 4.7 crore the insurance premium of Rs 3.15 lakh was paid.

I did see that Rolls going back citywards from RTO a few days back.

RR's and private jets are latest obsession of Malayaali businessmen. These are rare even in Dubai, city of multi-billionaires.

So?

What I said was "what took place in the ground during the previous 5 years of LDF rule" which may or may not necessarily be credited as achievements of the LDF government.

Again, the central govt might be the execution agency but do you think it is possible to execute any project without the support & co-operation of the state government? For example, KSEB could have dragged its feet for power, delaying the project indefinitely......


Aren't you very clever, my dear friend :lol:

You are saying that you mentioned all projects executed during the LDF state govt rule, independent of whether it was delivered by the LDF state govt or not...

Then my humble question to you is,,, why did you forget Gold Souk Mall or various private projects which were delivered during the LDF state govt???? Could Gold Souk have started if KSEB hadn't given them power connection????

Please don't play with words... We aren't so naive as you think.. :bash: Giving power connection to a project of Central Govt / Private company doesnt make it the achievement of LDF state govt.... :lol:

I stand by what I said ----> The only 2 and a quarter achievements of LDF during 5 years is in Kochi were...
(1) VMH
(2) Athulya
(2.25) Thiru Kochi buses

All others achievements were by Central Govt / Private parties... The LDF govt had minor supporting role in the conceptualising / designing / planning / implementation of those projects...

Clearly the achievements of LDF govt is sad to say the least.... :bash:

And if you think Thiru Kochi busses have anything to do with bus strikes.. just wait for the next diesel price hike (expected in the near future)..... Bus owners go on strike, when diesel prices are hiked... not when Thiru Kochi buses are added / removed from Kochi's roads... Hope you get it...

Ernakulam's pride, neighbours' envy (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/ernakulams-pride-neighbours-envy/377598.html#.T3cKb41iiSg.twitter) :)
http://expressbuzz.com/Images/article/2012/3/31/aprtment_koc_EP_l.jpg

Did you know that Ernakulam district has the highest number of mobile phone users, rented households, computers and motor vehicles compared to any other district in the state?

Ernakulam also has the lowest number of households using firewood for cooking and houses that lack latrines, according to Census 2011 Housing and Houselisting statistics released here on Friday.There are 11,74,691 houses in Ernakulam - the highest in the state - and 7,91,737 households if you exclude institutional households.

In 2001, there were only 6,66,753 households in Ernakulam district.
As many as 64.1 percent households had concrete roof, while 57 percent had cement floors and 30.8 percent had mosaic floor tiles.
Among the districts, Ernakulam topped the list in the number of rented houses (11.2 percent), tap water-dependent households (57.2 percent), households having latrines (97.9 percent) and drains (61.6 percent),
households using LPG for cooking (63.1 percent), televisions (87.9 percent households), electricity (97.4 percent households), mobile phone users (85 percent), two-wheeler users and light four-wheeler users
(40.7 percent and 17.1 percent respectively), households having four rooms (34.2 percent) and households with concrete roofs (64.1 percent).
Over 78.4 percent households in Ernakulam district availed banking facility, according to the Census.

Kochi = 50% of Kerala (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Record-revenue-collection-in-district/articleshow/12488354.cms) :cheers:
Ernakulam district recorded a revenue collection of Rs 10,360.94 crore during the 2011-12 financial year, marking a 15% increase from the Rs 8,952.92 crore collected last year. District collector P I Sheik Pareeth said that the rise in revenue collection indicated the rapid pace with which the district was developing.

Pareeth said that though the figures from other districts were yet to come in, it is roughly estimated that the district would account for 50% of the total revenue of the state exchequer. "The district has contributed almost half of the state revenue for the second consecutive year. We hope that we can maintain the same performance next year too," he added. Pareeth also said that though many of the officials in the district were deployed for the Piravom byelection, it did not affect the revenue collection in the district.

"The efforts of the taxes department are appreciable as they have contributed the most to revenue collection. Compared to the previous year, the revenue collected by the commercial taxes department has gone up by Rs 1292.32 crore," the collector said. For the current financial year, the commercial taxes, Ernakulam, registered collection of Rs 8488.77 crore, while the commercial taxes, Mattanchery, collected a total of Rs 815.33 crore.

The amount collected by the regional transport offices in Ernakulam and Muvattupuzha increased by 39.72% to Rs 273.82 crorefrom Rs 196.02 crore recorded in the last financial year. The district lottery office earned a revenue of Rs 15.40 crore against the previous year's Rs 47.90 crore.

Meanwhile, the income from land revenue and revenue recovery has gone down by 5.9% to Rs 70.15 crore from Rs 74.35 crore collected in the previous year. "The revenue recovery related to some major joint venture projects are done in a slower pace and the officials are yet to complete the process of revenue recovery", explained the collector. Subsequently, there was a dip in the revenue collected from the forest department, owing to the reduced timber sales in forest divisions. The total revenue collected from three forest divisions - Malayattoor and Kothamangalam - in the district came to Rs 41.49 crore, whereas the collection during the previous year was Rs 42.02 crore.

Aren't you very clever, my dear friend :lol:

You are saying that you mentioned all projects executed during the LDF state govt rule, independent of whether it was delivered by the LDF state govt or not...

Then my humble question to you is,,, why did you forget Gold Souk Mall or various private projects which were delivered during the LDF state govt???? Could Gold Souk have started if KSEB hadn't given them power connection????

Please don't play with words... We aren't so naive as you think.. :bash: Giving power connection to a project of Central Govt / Private company doesnt make it the achievement of LDF state govt.... :lol:

I stand by what I said ----> The only 2 and a quarter achievements of LDF during 5 years is in Kochi were...
(1) VMH
(2) Athulya
(2.25) Thiru Kochi buses

All others achievements were by Central Govt / Private parties... The LDF govt had minor supporting role in the conceptualising / designing / planning / implementation of those projects...

Clearly the achievements of LDF govt is sad to say the least.... :bash:

And if you think Thiru Kochi busses have anything to do with bus strikes.. just wait for the next diesel price hike (expected in the near future)..... Bus owners go on strike, when diesel prices are hiked... not when Thiru Kochi buses are added / removed from Kochi's roads... Hope you get it...
When Vallarpadam comes, credit goes to Central Govt ...and when Metro doesnt take off due to same Central Govt , blame goes to State govt.

Unbelievable....Is this guy for real?..and you call yourself "independent".

Would love to see your writing as an official UDF supporter.

State's only goods train yard to get shunted out! (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/goods-train-yard-get-shunted-out-462)
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/MARSHAL-4.jpg.crop_display.jpg
The goods marshaling yard in Ernakulam

The state often finds itself at the losing end every time the railway budget is announced as it gets only peanuts in terms of new services or infrastructure development projects.

And now, as if to rub salt into its wounds, the railways is reportedly planning to shut down the state’s only goods train maintenance facility in Ernakulam and shift the regular inspection of popular long distance trains to other centres.

The move, which is supposedly aimed at cutting down on manpower, comes inexplicably at a time when new railway lines are being laid to run more goods trains to tap the potential revenue from the Vallarpadam Container Terminal.

Ernakulam region area manager George John reveals that tracks are being re-laid to tap the freight shipment from Mattanchery Warf and Cochin Warf.

“We target 50,000 tonnes of goods, mostly fertilizer and urea, in a year. We’ve almost completed construction of the new bridge at Venduruthy and have a proposal to double the number of services in the Mattanchery-Harbour segment,” he says.

But a circular Issued by the chief operating manager, Chennai on February 16 states that the activity at the marshalling yard is being cut down.

Accordingly, some of the technical staff is being deputed to the nearby tanker wagon repairing yard, besides shifting of machinery.

Ask public relations inspector, M Jayan, and he maintains there’s no move to close down the yard as of now, and only the staff is being reduced as a cost cutting exercise.

“The goods trains running in the sector are obtaining BPC (break power certificate) from Erode in Tamil Nadu. But, it’s true we’re trying to cut down the costs by resorting to staff cut”, Mr Jayan said.
However, informed sources believe that the shifting of BPC issuance to Erode is enough indication of the larger game plan.

“The move confirms that they want to close down the yard” sources added.

The maintenance facility now employs 120 personnel spread across traffic, commercial and mechanical wings.

A concerned divisional president of Southern Railway Mazdoor Union, P. Unnikrishnan warns that the railways’ move to shut down the maintenance yard would ultimately benefit Tamil Nadu.

“Additional work will mean capacity augmentation of the goods maintenance yard in Tamil Nadu,” he points out.

The railways’ excuse that revenue at the marshalling yard is sagging doesn’t ring true as the combined wagon clearance and demurrage charges for July, August and September stood at a whopping `1 crore, he says, also warning that the move could hit the smooth running of goods trains.

“Currently if the goods train breaks down specialists from the marshalling yard are called in to attend to the problem. But once it is closed the specialists will have to come from Erode and this will eventually affect traffic flow”, he says.

It was only recently that the railways had been criticised by state administrators for the increasing number of crimes on trains.

As a remedial measure, the government had offered to spare the services of the state police for patrolling trains, provided they were issued duty passes.

When there was no response, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy directed the police to buy tickets to board the trains, promising to reimburse them.

Hey...
I think we've grown out of the kiddish phase of reporting on luxury cars being registered like rr by joy alukkas etc....
Let's limit the news to stuff to general statistics rather than on petty details on individual cars.
What say?
Maybe I'm wrong but all this rr registration news seemed silly.there are cities who still consider them a big deal, but I think we're done with that phase.

+100 Grownups should behave like grownups.

^^ so true..+1

Hey...
I think we've grown out of the kiddish phase of reporting on luxury cars being registered like rr by joy alukkas etc....
Let's limit the news to stuff to general statistics rather than on petty details on individual cars.
What say?
Maybe I'm wrong but all this rr registration news seemed silly.there are cities who still consider them a big deal, but I think we're done with that phase.

+ 1

I don't find wrong in posting a report of such news in the discussions thread.

But going blah blah about it, trying to push and glorify your city, like some outgrowns (not grownups ) here do, is so pathetic!

When Vallarpadam comes, credit goes to Central Govt ...and when Metro doesnt take off due to same Central Govt , blame goes to State govt.

Unbelievable....Is this guy for real?..and you call yourself "independent".

Would love to see your writing as an official UDF supporter.

Let me clarify your misunderstanding...

Vallarpadam is a 100% Central Govt project executed under PPP mode. If you are aware CPT is a Major Port under Central Govt.

Vizhinjam, for example is not a Central Govt Port.

Kochi Metro is a 100% state govt project till now. Until, the Central Govt decides to come in with Equity Participation in the KMRL, it will continue to be a 100% state govt project. The Centre has always been encouraging Kerala govt to execute it as a State Govt project under PPP mode.


Is this guy for real?..and you call yourself "independent". Would love to see your writing as an official UDF supporter.

Friend, what have I written in support of UDF?
I have only pointed out the wrong information being posted by leftists like you... sorry, that I am standing in your way.. but unlike you, i am being factual... :cheers:

Guys, enough of these, Move on!!

Guys, enough of these, Move on!!

:righton::righton::righton:

Aren't you very clever, my dear friend :lol:

You are saying that you mentioned all projects executed during the LDF state govt rule, independent of whether it was delivered by the LDF state govt or not...

Then my humble question to you is,,, why did you forget Gold Souk Mall or various private projects which were delivered during the LDF state govt???? Could Gold Souk have started if KSEB hadn't given them power connection????

Please don't play with words... We aren't so naive as you think.. :bash: Giving power connection to a project of Central Govt / Private company doesnt make it the achievement of LDF state govt.... :lol:


First, the very fact that you have ignored the bulk of the points raised by me and choose to highlight only a select few points, and that too by putting words into my mouth makes it very evident who is playing with words.

Second, the "naivity" part also speaks for itself when you compare power connections for mega projects with that of shops & complexes. You are speaking as if I highlighted giving electric connection to Vallarpadom as one of the major achievement of the LDF govt, when I mentioned it as just one example of the support extended to the project by the state government.

But since you brought it up, the achievement of the LDF govt in power sector was anyway excellent considering the fact that it could provide power to everyone ranging from Vallarpadom ICTT to Gold Souk without imposing power cuts, when at the same time next door Tamil Nadu was imposing 6-9 hours of power cuts on domestic customers stating that it was committed to providing power to industries.

And if you think Thiru Kochi busses have anything to do with bus strikes.. just wait for the next diesel price hike (expected in the near future)..... Bus owners go on strike, when diesel prices are hiked... not when Thiru Kochi buses are added / removed from Kochi's roads... Hope you get it...

Just look at the number of strikes by red killers and the hardships caused to the commuters before Thiru Kochi and after Thiru Kochi... but it is very evident that either you do not get it or you pretend not to get it. In either case, your agenda is plainly obvious..... Bye bye...

@other forumers... Sorry for dragging this on. I'll try to resist provocation next time....

^^

Disturbed to see a regular forumer like you feeding the trolls :bash:

Most of the forumners (including the unregistered guests) come and view these threads for gaining more information and not to see petty quarrels. If everybody tries to bring his or her political opinions in the discussion, we will reach nowhere. People who read this are intelligent and have political opinions which is not going to change due to a cat and mouse fight. So stop it brothers and move on. :)

For a safer food culture in Kochi (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3272571.ece)
Mayor of the Corporation of Kochi Tony Chammany handed over a cheque for Rs. 25 lakh to the Syndicate Bank authorities here on Saturday as the Corporation's share in launching a rehabilitation programme for street food vendors in the city, marking the beginning of what could be an entirely new culture of safer and healthier street food in Kochi.

The detailed project report for the programme to train and rehabilitate 50 street food vendors in Kochi was prepared in 2008. It is being implemented under a project of the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Programme (KSUDP) with help from Syndicate Bank, which has sanctioned a loan of Rs. one crore for the programme.

The programme involves identifying, training, providing equipment, uniform and identify cards to the selected food vendors.

It is aimed at bringing the marginalised group of street food vendors into the mainstream of urban life and to provide them sustainable incomes and raise their standards of life.

The programme, when implemented, will also ensure the culture of safe, tasty and healthy food is given to the working class, students and the floating population at a reasonable cost.

The project is also aimed at ensuring that street food vending does not exact a toll on the city in terms of environment, law and order and health.

The programme also seeks to empower women to come forward and find their own way of supporting the family by making use of their natural skills in food and hospitality.

Training and orientation programme centres on food, nutrition, health; hygiene, clean practices, waste management, hospitality, entrepreneurship; new food items, fund management, banking, literacy and law and order.

Mean machines mean everything (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/mean-machines-mean-everything-013)
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/YAMAHA-FZ1-1000CC--AMITH_CU.jpg.crop_display.jpg
Kochi businessman Amith C.S. with his Yamaha FZ1.

It may be a growing passion or a case of youngsters of today having more disposable income: many of them in the State now boast of fancy, high-end bikes. Just the same way as girls love to show off their costly accessories, the boys flaunt their mean machines and it is speed that thrills them more than anything else.

Kochi businessman Amith C.S., for instance, is all set to buy his third bike, Yamaha R1, which costs nearly Rs 13 lakh, after acquiring a Yamaha FZ1 and a Royal Enfield. The mechanical engineer explains that his passion for riding is linked to his career as a businessman. “From my childhood days, I wanted to own a super bike. I found that film stars, sportsmen and businessmen were the three categories of people who owned such high-end motorbikes. I then decided that I would become a businessman and own a fancy bike,” says Amith.

Some of them cost a bomb but the youngsters do not think twice before spending their hard-earned money on them. Kiran Jose, another businessman and Yamaha dealer from Thiruvananthapuram, who is a proud owner of 2012 model of R1, says, “My father had a sports bike, so I had the full support of my father to get one for myself.” The new R1 is in addition to an earlier version of the same bike and a Kawasaki.

Despite the poor condition of roads and the insufferable traffic blocks, the craze to own and ride a super bike, the adrenaline rush and the attention that they attract make them opt for these over the luxury and comfort of an expensive car.

Samuel George, an interior designer from Thiruvananthapuram, loves riding his YZF R1 in the mornings. He says, “It is only between 5.30 am and 7 am that I manage to enjoy riding my bike.”
Most of the bikers vouch that the pleasure of riding that they experience on a super bike cannot be obtained while driving a car. Amith, who plans to buy a Harley Davidson, next says, “When you ride a bike, your full body is involved in the ride, unlike when you drive a car.”

Freestyle stunt rider Mikhil Mohan agrees that owning a super bike is not at all a necessity unless you are a professional biker using it for racing. Mikhil, who owns a Yamaha R6, which costs around `12.5 lakh, says, “It was my dream to buy a high-end bike with my money and as I am involved in several stunt rides and competitions, it is worth the money I spent.”

Considering the wide market opportunities for high-end bikes in Kerala, it is no wonder that Harley Davidson plans to open a dealership centre soon in Kochi. :cheers:

Pioneer to launch Chhattisgarh edition (http://www.medianewsline.com/news/127/ARTICLE/9210/2012-04-02.html)

Pioneer has a Kochi edition! That's a new info.
http://www.medianewsline.com/tpllib/img.php?im=cat_127/9210.jpg&w=163&h=150

The pioneer has plans to launch Chhattisgarh edition. Reliable sources close to the daily said the management has already applied for registration with the Registrar of Newspaprs for India (RNI).

The Pioneer management , sources said ,has franchised the Chhattisgarh edition to a local journalist.

The daily has presence in five other states i.e. Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) , Odisha (Bhubaneshwar),Jharkhand ( Ranchi) , Kerala ( Kochi), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow), Chandigarh and Dehradun.

Pioneer to launch Chhattisgarh edition (http://www.medianewsline.com/news/127/ARTICLE/9210/2012-04-02.html)

Pioneer has a Kochi edition! That's a new info.

Pioneer do have, since 2006 or 2007, if my knowledge is right.... Their office is 4th Bldg after Emmanuel silks when we drive towards Oberon, in NH Byepass....

They came with a bang, but then reduced to nothing. I have seen Pioneer only in shops near South Railway Station and once in an office in Infopark.... No where else, have seen these newspapers... I don't know how they sustain with too limited sales.....

Mean machines mean everything (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/mean-machines-mean-everything-013)


Are u all sure about d Harley showroom in kochi?
Beacause in the Harley ad I saw in the latest GQ magazine, they ve only mentioned kolakata in the list of upcoming showrooms

^^

To express your interest in a Harley-Davidson dealership, please fill the form below.

Dealerships are invited for Kochi, Raipur, Jaipur, Nagpur, Goa, Indore/ Bhopal and Lucknow.

Harley-Davidson (http://www.harley-davidson.in/harley-davidson-india-dealer-interest-sign-up.html)

Vote for green city (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/vote-green-city-427)
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/4BIRD_0.jpg.crop_display.jpg
Migratory bird Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) feeding its baby.
Great Cormorant is a regular visitor to Kochi

The Mangalavanam bird sanctuary and its surrounding areas may soon be declared an ecologically sensitive zone.

The environment advisory committee chaired by Hibi Eden MLA, which met on Monday, passed a resolution to bring in strict regulations for better conservation of the bird sanctuary and its buffer zone.

“We also want a comprehensive scientific study done on why birds are abandoning this patch of forest. Over the years there has been a considerable fall in the number of birds coming to Manga-lavanam.

Ornitholo- gists, who have confirmed a dip in the number of migratory birds arriving, have given various reasons for it. The study must look at the rare species of trees and birds in the sanctuary as well,” said Hibi Eden, adding that the forest minister, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, would be invited to visit the area.

The committee has also suggested banning construction and real estate development in the vicinity of the sanctuary and advised the corporation to remove the drainage passing through the mangrove forest.

“The corporation has a significant role in preserving Mangalavanam. Strict regulations must be brought in to stop construction activities that block the migratory path of birds as the sharp fall in their number is being blamed on increased construction work, extensive use of glass windowpanes and noise pollution,” admit corporation officers.

Vote for green city (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/vote-green-city-427)

These are basically a nexus of certain people who have vested interests against the city, looking for excuses for blocking development.....

Mangalavanam was never a forest area in original. It was indeed part of Kochi State Railways land, where once railways had its stations, cargo point and wastelands...... When the station was abandoned, it got forested.... Some birds came and rest on there..... How come it was a forest right from beginning?

Some vested interested, saw the northern Marine Drive is fast developing area, so immedidately started raising unnessecary point to block developments of Islands and northern Marine Drive.......

Rather its high time, the state destroy the forest, redevelop into a bird park like Jurong Bird Park of Singapore and earn tourism revenues, than creating a big mosquito well in the heart of the city, blocking developments......

2011 Census - Household Amenities and Asset Statistics (in percentage)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r638/asleshrk/HLO1.jpg
More households with radio in Kannur
More households with TV, Computers, Internet connections in Ernakulam
More households with phones in Kottayam
More households with bicycles in Alappuzha
More households with Scooter/Motorbike in Ernakulam
More households with Car/Jeep/Van again in Ernakulam
More households with nothing in Wayanad

Ernakulam district Tops in TV, Computers, Internet connections,Scooter/Motorbike and Car/Jeep/Van:cheers:

Vote for green city (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/vote-green-city-427)

There goes the most highly valued real estate in Kerala..spanner down the works for DLF and tritvam projects!!:bash:

Vote for green city[/URL]

It is a fact that the marine drive area development is one-sided in favour of high rises. Ideally the master plan should have been a mix of green belts, open grounds and multi-storied car parking besides high rises. But what has happened in the ground is the real estate sharks dividing the land amongst themselves.

Having said this, the "bird sanctuary" at Mangalavanam is already dead for all practical purposes. The reclamations as part of the Goshree project Vallarpadom means that it is no longer possible to ensure that the place remain as a natural habitat for birds.

The best option now is to redevelop the place as a green belt, a la Lal Bagh of Bangalore or Jurong Park of Singapore. With DMRC the de facto local body of Kochi these days, the best option would be to hand over Mangalavanam to them. The overall area occupied by the present forest should be increased, to accommodate the trees that would go for the Metro and also to strike a balance for the over-development at Marine Drive. However, some area of the existing forest should be given back to the railways to develop the Old Railway Station and a larger area assigned to the new park from the reclaimed land.

^^

+ 1

Since, they are on a mission to replant 10 times the number of trees being cut for the metro project, Mangalavanam is the most ideal place for the forestation process. I wish some of us can pass this thought to the concerned heads in DMRC, KMRL and corporation.

^^^^^^

Malayaali, don't say forestation.... A simple word, even accidentally, can make a marshy wasteland into Silent Valley next day.....Oru Simhavalan kodu itta thirrnnu..... Kochi will have go into primitive forest life.....

The so-called environmentalists are making a mole into a mountain. How do they expect, migratory birds flewing in and out, when Panamax cranes frequently lift up and lift down in Vallarpadam, just 200 m from the Mangalavanam or Naval helicopters, jets and surveillance airborne vehicles flying over the area ?

Sir, has said the right thing.....

The best is declaring Mangalavanam as Kochi's Central Park. It must be given to some agency to develop in well landscaped garden or a bird park, to provide a green lung to the city, without any mosquito breeding ground. After all its more than 84 acres of prime land in heart of city, if my knowledge is right.

One should look how Central Park acts green lung for New York. Similar thing must be done here, by developing into a key botonical garden, a bird park etc, allowing people to spend their evenings, go for a daily morning exercises, a tourist attraction, a good lake acting as a rainwater harvesting source, a good herbal park and many things like that, rather than another forest in heart of city.

^^^^^^

One should look how Central Park acts green lung for New York. Similar thing must be done here, by developing into a key botonical garden, a bird park etc, allowing people to spend their evenings, go for a daily morning exercises, a tourist attraction, a good lake acting as a rainwater harvesting source, a good herbal park and many things like that, rather than another forest in heart of city.

Like MI said best thing is to convert mangalavanam into something like the Singapore botanical garden . If conservation is their main priority then they can also come up with something like the sungei buloh wet land reserve in Singapore. If planned properly both can attract tourists and will also provide a green belt to the city.

Middle class dream goes flat in Kerala (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/middle-class-dream-goes-flat-kerala-622)
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The middle class dream has always been to own a house. But with time it has nearly got out of reach for many as land prices have skyrocketed and independent houses no longer fit the budget of the middle and upper-middle classes in cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur.

The next best option are flats, but they too are getting steadily unaffordable. It’s hard to find a 900 to 1200 sq.ft flat costing less than Rs25 lakh in these prime cities. And if it happens to be a two-bedroom flat being marketed by a good builder, you could be asked to pay as much as Rs35 to Rs 40 lakhs for it.

The going price for a 3-bedroom 1,300 sq ft flat is around Rs55 lakh today, when a survey conducted by swapnakoodu.com recently found there is a huge market for flats costing less than Rs25 lakh in these cities where most people have an income below Rs50,000 a month.

Not surprisingly, the buyers’ market is drying up, leaving the real estate sector in a slump.

Today Kochi has only a handful of major building projects coming up with builders keeping a wary eye on the market.

Things were very different just a few years ago when the real estate market was booming in 2006-09 with investors flocking in and boosting prices to unthinkable levels. “But that was not a realistic rise and those investors are today finding it difficult to make a profit on their properties,” says Anish P R, CEO of swapnakoodu.com in Kochi.

“It’s a unique situation. While there are few buyers for flats, those in need of homes are not able to get affordable ones. Meanwhile some of the old investors, who are in desperate need of cash are disposing of their flats at a loss. An investor in Kakkanad sold a flat that he had bought for Rs 40 lakh in 2008, for Rs23 lakh recently,” he reveals.

President of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations India, Kochi chapter, M.V. Antony, agrees that flats are getting beyond the reach of the middle and upper middle classes.

“The problem lies with the phenomenal price of land in Kerala. Even in a city like Chennai, land is available for Rs1 to 2 lakh per cent within five or six kilometers of the airport, but in Kerala land can’t be acquired for that amount even on the outskirts of Kochi. In the city proper, it costs upto Rs10 to Rs12 lakh per cent,” he says, pointing out that the cost of construction per sq.ft comes to another Rs2,000.

“The finance cost, approval cost and the different fees including for consultancy adds up to another Rs200. Couple this with the marketing and management costs and the total cost per sq. ft works out to betwen Rs4500 and Rs5000. So a 1,000 sq ft flat with amenities is priced at Rs45 lakh and more,” he adds.

There’s little hope of the prices coming down in the near future as builders say the cost of construction has only increased by Rs150 per sq ft over the past four months alone. “Only if land is available for Rs2 to 3 lakh per cent, can flats be made affordable for the middle and upper middle classes,” he believes.

Former district registrar and real estate analyst K.M. Baby says there are not many projects in cities due to shortage of property suitable for them.

“There has been a lull in the market since the Apple a Day property scam and after the laws were beefed up. Major builders like L&T have abandoned their plans for Kerala and others have slowed down their projects. But Kerala is on the threshold of witnessing a boom in ‘targeted flats’ pioneered by Godrej Properties in North India. These flats will conform to the buying capacity of different income groups,” he assures.

Roads, water all key factors

Even 15-20 per cent downward correction in retail prices of flats and residential units over a year has failed to spur the realty sector, say several professionals in the industry.

The concept of budget housing too will fail to take off, owing to the high land prices in the state, the experts say. A sizable number of flats already built in cities like Kochi and Trivandrum remain unoccupied, indicative of the current market trend.

According to the managing director of the BCG Group, Ms Rekha Babu, an 800 sqft house can be made available for around Rs 25 lakh. But finding space for a car porch makes prices shoot up again, and most of the people own vehicles.

Also, with little land available in cities the realty sector has begun moving to the outskirts, whereas people prefer to stay in the city due to proximity to workplace.

Housing projects of affordable Rs 25 lakh can be set up some 15 km from the city. But these can be attractive only with provisions of good roads, power, water and facilities for education, say the builders.

Hats off to the Authorities :nuts:

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Hats off to the Authorities :nuts:

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Hats off to Kochi Corporation and KSEB for making India's, perhaps world's first Green Street Light pole:):cheers:

^^
they can use this as logo for their green city campaign

Ricksawrun begins from Kochi

69 auto-rickshaws to travel 4500km all the way from Kochi to Shillong

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cc: Manorama

‘Rickshaw Run’ begins from Fort Kochi (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Rickshaw-Run-begins-from-Fort-Kochi/articleshow/12589373.cms)
Rickshaw Run, an autorickshaw race organized by a UK-based adventure company, has come to Kochi again. The 'adventure with charity in mind' race started from Fort Kochi beach on Sunday and will end at Shillong in Meghalaya two weeks later.

"Earlier this year, we held a race from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan to Kochi. That was an extremely successful event, hence we chose Kochi again," said event manager Matthew Dickens.

A total of 69 teams are taking part in the event and there are 160 international participants. They will be driving roughly 4,500km in two weeks.

"The teams this time have a tough journey - they have to practically cover the whole length of India in just a fortnight in the devastating pre-monsoon heat," Matthew told TOI. From Kochi, the 69 teams will travel through Munnar, Pondicherry and Orissa and then head east to Shillong. They will also raise money for India-based charities. "The magic of Kerala bowled me over when I visited the state for the first time, and I hope the other participants will experience the same magic," said Katie Alcott, founder of Frank Water projects, the official charity partner of the event.

Frank Water carries out sustainable water filtration projects across India.

The last Rickshaw Run raised nearly Rs 1 crore, which was utilized to bring clean water to more than 50,000 people.

Among the participants, many are UK citizens and they hope to generate more goodwill and funds than the previous edition. The race was flagged off by councillor Antony Kureethara.

Fire brigade ill-equipped to handle major mishaps (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Fire-brigade-ill-equipped-to-handle-major-mishaps/articleshow/12589331.cms)
Though the fire brigade in Kochi is ready to tackle any emergency, the department lags behind their counterparts in other cities in terms of equipment and technology. While most southern metro cities have contemporary technologies including global positioning system (GPS) and new communication devices, the fire and rescue service here lack modern systems.

The fire and rescue department in Chennai has 80 vehicles across 33 fire stations in the city. The fleet includes water trucks, foam tenders and emergency rescue tenders each with a capacity of 5,000 to 9,000 litres of water and 1000 litres of foam.

In the case of Bengaluru, fire and rescue services have 14 fire stations and 52 vehicles. Fire brigade in Hyderabad has 15 fire stations and 22 vehicles including water bowsers, water tenders, crash tenders and foam tenders. Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service deputy director S Vijayasekar said all vehicles are equipped with communication devices including walkie-talkies, wireless and mobile phones.

"We use GPS to track vehicle movement and control room gives instruction to officials till the operation is over," he said.

Meanwhile, there are only five fire stations in Kochi and 12 vehicles, each with a capacity of 4,500 litres, to tackle emergency situations. Officials complain they lack modern safety gears and communication devices. "Due to the lack of walkie-talkies and wireless devices, we cannot communicate with our control room while a rescue is in progress," said an official.

A senior official said though we have a capacity of 4,500 litres of water, about 40% will be evaporated while dousing major fires.

"Though government has allocated about Rs 27 crore to procure modern fire fighting equipment, only 25% has been utilized by authorities," he said.

Middle class dream goes flat in Kerala (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/middle-class-dream-goes-flat-kerala-622)

i think i mentioned abt this a few days back..the apartment bubble all set to burst..

^^There has been an oversupply for sure and hence there will be a correction in the realty market tats all , nothing more than that.

i think i mentioned abt this a few days back..the apartment bubble all set to burst..

bubble? what bubble? in India, inflation is an average of 8%, GDP growth is 6-7% and wage growth is >12% pa. the property prices are not going up in real terms, they are only adjusting for the reducing value of the currency...we're not even beginning talk about the effect of black money supporting prices or the effect of more and more people coming into the labour force or the disproportionate NRI interest in Kerala and the depreciation in rupee making it much more attractive. real estate is one of the few assets which can provide hedge against inflation(labour costs, material costs and fuel costs have all gone up in excess of 40-50% in India in the past 4 years when the world was supposedly in recession)..agreed, there is a huge overpricing in places like mumbai where the base prices start at 18000psf but to me Kochi apartment prices have not reached anywhere near bubble prices at 4000-8000 psf in the heart of the city.of course, at margin there will be some distressed sales which are highlighted as examples of property 'bubble' bursting but I think they are the exception rather than the rule. I am with you in terms of 'hoping' for a correction so that things become a bit more affordable but people have been waiting for the past 6 years for it and it still hasn't come..

EQ facility at Ernakulam restored (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/eq-facility-at-ernakulam-restored/247144-60-122.html)
The facility to avail the railway emergency quota (EQ) from Ernakulam which was transferred to the divisional headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram last week was restored on Sunday. The decision was announced when the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and railway board engineer (Electrical, Signalling and Telecom) Khul Bhooshan visited the Ernakulam station to study the possibilities of improving freight traffic, cost cutting measures and safety issues.

The EQ facility was shifted on April 5 as the Ernakulam area manager, who is responsible for issuing the EQ tickets, went on a sick leave. But following the protests by railway unions, an assistant commercial manager has now been deployed on temporary basis to deal with the EQ applications.

Meanwhile, the DRM rubbished the allegations that the Ernakulam area manager’s post was eliminated and said that unwanted rumours were being spread by the railway staff who had their own agenda. “There have never been plans to eliminate the post. We understand the importance of such a post in Ernakulam. It was only a temporary move,” the DRM said.

When asked about the move to withdraw the staff in area manager’s office and his car, the DRM said it was not necessary for the area manager to have a car.

Cameras to capture illegal waste disposal (http://http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/cameras-to-capture-illegal-waste-disposal/380861.html)

Despite the Corporation’s attempts to control and prevent illegal disposal of waste along the roadside and in the open, the practice continues to be prevalent in the city. As the latest step to combat illegal dumping of waste, the civic body will soon install surveillance cameras at dump sites especially on roadsides, rural farm lands and abandoned properties.

The annual budget of Kochi Corporation has allotted Rs 10 lakh for the surveillance camera installation.

The project is in its initial stages and the Corporation authorities hope that the plan will help them in identifying and taking action against illegal dumpers.

“Our plan is to install cameras within the city limit and vacant plots where waste dumping is rampant,” said T K Ashraf, chairman, Health Standing Committee, Kochi Corporation.
He said that the practice of illegal dumping is mainly seen in the areas that are under panchayat and municipality limits.
“We will join hands with the surrounding local bodies for the successful implementation of the plan.

We have also identified some areas like Perumbadappu and Edappally where waste is dumped in the open.

We are to install cameras in these areas,” he added.
As per the plan, the Corporation is likely to entrust the implementation of the project with an experienced agency like Keltron.
“Along with the installation of cameras, the civic body will also come up with comprehensive programmes to educate people on necessity of proper waste disposal,” he added.

Gujarat likely to field a team in IPL next season (http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/ipl-2012-gujarat-likely-to-field-a-team-next-season-haresh-pandya/20120410.htm)

We all knew this would be the end result of KTK extinction!
With KTK no longer there, the Narendra Modi government is reportedly planning to field a team from Gujarat in the new bidding for IPL 2013. The team will be appropriately called Gujarat Gaurav.

According to highly reliable sources, Modi, who is also the president of Gujarat Cricket Association, is very keen on having a franchisee from the state in the lucrative tournament. It is learnt that BJP bigwig Arun Jaitley, who is very close to the Gujarat chief minister, has been helping him in this regard. Jaitley, recently elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, is not only the president of Delhi and District Cricket Association but also a member of the IPL governing council.

Gautam Adani of the Adani Group and Anil Ambani of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group are said to be the likely promoters of Gujarat Gaurav. It is also learnt that Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who is a much sought-after brand ambassador of Gujarat, may also invest a few percent in the Gujarat Gaurav team.

Fading green cover leaves city gasping for breath (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3303159.ece)
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A tree located near the National Highway at Chakkaraparambu, that was illegally cut down

Sheer apathy on the part of the local authorities towards preserving the green cover and the lack of clarity on felling of trees in public places threaten gradual degeneration of shade trees making the city hotter by the day.

The difference that shade trees could bring to surroundings could be gauged by taking a stroll down the Park Avenue near boat jetty full of shade trees and the M.G. Road largely devoid of them. While the former experience is a pleasure the latter could prove to be an energy sapping experience on a sunny day.

Quoting a study, environmental activist S. Sitaraman said that there are about 1,300 shade trees across the city.

“But only 40 per cent of these are properly maintained facilitating cool climate and pure air,” he said. He cited indiscriminate trimming of trees by KSEB in their effort to ensure safety of electric lines and uprooting of trees to place advertisement hoardings among the prime threats to the green cover in the city.

Mr. Sitaraman accused the Corporation and other local bodies of having scant concern for shade trees despite their crucial role in environment.

“Successive Corporation budgets had failed to allocate any fund for the conservation of the existing shade trees or to plant new ones,” he alleged.

He said that there had been instances when trees had been ‘killed” surreptitiously by injecting them with mercury and other chemicals and by debarking them.

Noted environmental activist John Peruvanthanam said that the society had to grow out of the mindset that preservation of green cover is the sole responsibility of the ruling class.

“Preservation of these trees is the responsibility of each city resident who knows their role in providing fresh air and cover from noise and air pollution,” he said.

Mr. Peruvanthanam said that simply planting saplings and then forgetting about them altogether would not do.

“If that was enough, we have had planted enough saplings by now to provide green cover to the entire planet,” he said. He also called for replacing the archaic British forest management system, which was completely out of sync with the geography of the State.

Mr. Sitaraman said that complaints lodged with the social forestry department in the event of illegal felling of trees often fail to induce action against the offenders.

He cites the instance in which he had complained about the felling of a couple of trees along the Aluva Bypass for placing a hoarding last week.

Social Forestry sources said that while the Tree Authority Act maintains that the trees in public places should not be felled without securing prior permission, the relevant rules in the Act were silent about what should be done in the event such permission is not secured.

“We cannot take suo motu action in such cases and could only register a complaint with the police,” an official said.

Kochi to host second Kerala Gamers Meet-up this weekend


Kochi: The second edition of the Kerala Gamers Meet-up will be held on April 14, 2012 in Kochi. The Gamers Meet-up is an event organised by Indiagames, a leading game development company in India and co-host by Csharks, a leading game development company in Kerala. The first such event for gamers from Kerala which was held in September, 2011 in Kochi had seen enthusiastic participation from gamers.

The objective of the Gamers meet-up is to make a platform for all kinds of game players to interact with each other. The meet-up will give them an opportunity to share their interests and expectations about all the type of games on different platforms from mobiles to consoles. Any one who plays or loves games, which could be a causal gamer playing simple game like snakes, solitaire, angry bird to a hardcore Counter-strike, DOTA, COD gamer, can participate in this event.

According to Eldhose P Mathew, CEO, Csharks Games & Solutions, “This time

we are planning a bigger event. We will be having some gaming contests along with discussions on gaming. Also players can showcase the games developed by them, whatever it is. It will be a great experience for the gamers around Kochi and those who can make it to Kochi.” The game contests will be in different platforms - PS3, Nintendo Wii, iPad and Android Tab.

Gamers Meet-ups are popular abroad where groups of game players with shared interests plan meetings and form offline clubs in local communities. IndiaGames gets the credit for introducing the concept of Gamers Meet-ups in India. The meet-ups which kick-started last year from Mumbai, Pune, Pondicherry, Kochi and other cities saw over 300 gamers attending these sessions.

Check out the Kerala Gamers Meet-up Facebook page for more details.

KERALA-IT-NEWS (http://keralaitnews.com/state-scan/kochi/4697-kochi-to-host-second-kerala-gamers-meet-up-this-weekend)

LIMCA Book of Records 2012 Malayalam edition released in Kochi

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cc: Manorama

First ever World Meet of Local Governments, in November, in Kochi

The meet, to be held from Nov 30 to Dec 2nd, to witness delegates from 250 countries! :cheers:

World meet of Mayors used to be conducted every year at different parts of the world. The same was planned for Kochi before Minister MK Muneer proposed to include members from local governments also.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7455/p3250783.jpg
cc: Manorama

http://ri.rediffiland.com/homepimages/home6/928/99e77f6cfdfc461ac3d544844ef3b5e1/homep/images/1176447195

May open your eyes to a year of prosperity, happiness, joy and kindness

Wishing all my friends in Kochi SSC,

A HAPPY VISHU

Jos Jn. - South RS Road Devpt: Govt. to acquire land through LA Act

Owners unwilling to give up land even after price increased to Rs 37 lakh/cent.

This is how our people support development! Even at a record Rs 37 lakh a cent, they are not ready to give up, ridiculous :bash:
Subsequent to land owners reluctance to provide land for the road development prior to Kochi Metro construction, the District Collector has stated that the Govt. will forcefully acquire land through Land Acquisition act.
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/3825/p3250783g.jpg
cc: Madhyamam

Did any of you go to India Gamers Meetup in Kochi today?

Jos Jn. - South RS Road Devpt: Govt. to acquire land through LA Act

Owners unwilling to give up land even after price increased to Rs 37 lakh/cent.

This is how our people support development! Even at a record Rs 37 lakh a cent, they are not ready to give up, ridiculous :bash:


Its an indirect adjustment of both govt and land owners..... Ofcourse 37 Lakh per cent is not at all justifiable for MG Road, the most prized piece of land in Kerala.... It should be somewhere inbetween 50 to 70 lakh per cent......

But as a govt, they cannot announce a hike, as opposition and others will label it as corruption... So evoking LA Act, will automatically enable Govt to acquire the land, while rate fixation will be done by Court.....

In any context, a court appointed commission will recommend a hike along with interest for the litigation period and court will order so.... Land owners donot affect much, as they get benefits of Metro including massive appreciation of their land, apart from a Fixed deposit of LA amount along with an interest of 11%...... Since most of the owners are big shots, they won't mind blocking their acquisition money blocked in court process....

In any case, normally court donot stay the LA proceedings... The same has happened for Infopark-2 Land Acquisition....

Its an indirect adjustment of both govt and land owners..... Ofcourse 37 Lakh per cent is not at all justifiable for MG Road, the most prized piece of land in Kerala.... It should be somewhere inbetween 50 to 70 lakh per cent.

But this is off-MG road and Rs 37 lakh a cent is definitely justifiable. Where in Kerala, for any project, has land acquired on exact market rates? The land would have been acquired at a much lesser amount, had it been for the road improvement projects or others. Since this is a Metro rail project and the total money involved amount to more than 6000 crores of rupees, people want to get the maximum out of it.

I wish these people should take a lesson from others who gave their land for free for SA Road development.

Old harbour hotel Fort Kochi
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Tejomaya IP
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Porche Showroom,Kochi
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Vismaya,IP
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Credit:Anish Krishnan (https://www.facebook.com/anishkrishnan.ma)

Metro: Land value on MG Road fixed at Rs 39 lakh a cent (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Metro-Land-value-on-MG-Road-fixed-at-Rs-39-lakh-a-cent/articleshow/12698454.cms)
The district administration on Monday finalized the price of land to be acquired for the Kochi Metro Rail project on the MG Road stretch at Rs 39 lakh a cent.

The decision came at a meeting between the land owners and revenue officials convened by district collector PI Sheik Pareeth. Nine cents of land are to be acquired on MG Road, and about 42 shop owners will be affected.

Pareeth said the land owners had sought a week's time to give their response. "We plan to proceed with land acquisition at this price even if they respond in the negative. The money will be remitted at the court," he said.

Earlier, at a meeting convened by the district collector, the compensation had been set at Rs 34 lakh a cent. Revenue officials said the land value had been raised following a demand to this effect by the land owners.

The collector said the value of the land to be acquired on MG Road and Banerjee Road stretches would have to be approved by the district level purchase committee ( DLPC).

"We have already finalized the compensation for the land that will be acquired near South Railway station, and expect to complete the procedure at the earliest," Pareeth added.

According to the current plan, about 56.25 cents need to be acquired on Banerjee Road and 37.5 cents along the Jos Junction-South Railway Station stretch.

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cc: Manorama

Kochi (http://ibnlive.in.com/southindia/122.html) | Posted on Apr 19, 2012 at 08:21am IST

Tamils can learn while they earn in Kerala

KOCHI: In a bid to offer more opportunities for Tamil migrant labourers, the��� Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority is all set to introduce tenth� equivalent examination in Tamil for the next batch. The course is likely to commence in June.
It is the presence of Tamil migrant labourers in many districts that spurred the mission to launch a Tamil equivalent exam. Last year, the mission had launched Kannada medium tenth equivalent course in Kasargod owing to a huge demand.
In Ernakulam, many Tamil migrants have expressed interest in doing the course. “A large number of Tamils who have completed standard VII and keen on getting standard X equivalent certificate have contacted the respective ‘preraks’, especially from Pathalam where there is a huge Tamil population. There are quite a few Tamil migrants at Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam too,” said Mission district coordinator Ratheesh.
“A few who have completed standard VII in Tamil Nadu have approached me to do tenth equivalent as they can explore bigger avenues with a tenth certificate,” said Sini, a prerak at Pathalam who is set for the awareness campaign.
The State Council of Education Research and Training, which designs the Malayalam textbook, will bring out the Tamil version too. “The books are designed on andragogy. We have reformed the syllabus which was the same for� the past seven batches. Though the contents are equivalent to that of class X,� the form is tuned for adult minds,” he said. The seventh batch will have Tamil medium also. The mission is conducting� the programme by coordinating with the district panchayat which helps in identifying the migrants. The contact classes are usually held in government and aided schools on� public holidays, Saturday and Sunday from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will have��� access to school labs and IT would be a compulsory subject. Generally, it is the school teachers who impart education and all teachers undergo a training session in andragogy.
“Tamil teachers are being identified and they have to be trained. We hold��� classes in 38 schools in the district. We have to deal with two sections, one who are determined to get the certificate and the other who require� coercion. The mission offers standard IV, standard VII and standard VII equivalent certificates and offers a certificate course for the illiterate.�� On Bengali and Hindi medium of tenth equivalent, Ratheesh said that when the project was conceived, the majority of the migrant labourers were from Tamil Nadu.
�“Moreover, surveys have not been conducted on literacy of migrants from the North,” he added.



http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamils-can-learn-while-they-earn-in-kerala/250008-60-122.html

Enrica Lexie compensation issue resolved: Italy to pay Rs 2 crore (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/enrica-lexie-compensation-issue-resolved-italy-pay-rs-2-crore-946)

This is definitely a victory for the GoK. Even GoI wanted to succumb to Diplomatic pressure, but our government stood firm and here we have the result.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/italy_9.jpg.crop_display.jpg
Michele Girone, left, father of Italian marine Salvatore Girone and Franca Latorre,
third from right, sister of marine Latore Massimiliano speak to the media after meeting
the two marines at central prison in Thiruvananthapuram
Bringing down the curtains on the Enrica Lexie compensation issue, the Republic of Italy has agreed to pay Rs 1 crore each as compensation to the families of the two fishermen killed at sea from firing off the Italian oil-tanker near Kochi shore in February.

The agreement was reached between the families of the two fishermen and Pasquale Preziosa, Chief of the Italian Ministry of Defence, who along with other Italian officials met the family members on April 12 and 13 at Quilon Beach Hotel, Kollam, and Mascot Hotel and South Park Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.

Jelastine and Ajeesh Pink, the two fishermen, were killed after two Italian marines on board Enrica Lexie opened fire at them.

Pursuant to the agreement, Doramma, wife of Jelastine, filed an application before Kerala High Court on Thursday seeking a directive to refer the compensation plea filed by them to the Lok Adalat for final settlement.

Doramma submitted before the court that the Republic of Italy had agreed to pay compensation and so was willing to settle the issue and sought a directive for disposal of the decree filed in court.

Doramma told Deccan Chronicle that she would use the money for the benefit of her children Derreick and Jean. According to Doramma she would try to provide good education of her children. Saddened by the loss of her husband, she would not allow her children make fishing their job.

According to her counsel C Unnikrishnan whom the Italians approached for settling the dispute, the owners of the vessel refused to give any compensation to the family. Since the family members were finding hard to make the both ends meet they accepted the proposal of the Italian government.

However, as per the agreement, the petitions against the marines would have to be withdrawn. He made it clear that the case registered against marines and the investigation will not be affected by the out-of-court settlement.

Edathala Grama Panchayat wins UNICEF accolades (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/edathala-grama-panchayat-wins-unicef-accolades/250471-60-122.html)

Edathala also has one of the world's prime child care & welfare facility - The SOS Children's village (http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/Pages/default.aspx). How many of you have visited there?
The UNICEF has identified Edathala grama panchayat in Ernakulam district as the first child-friendly panchayat in the country. The National Consultation on Decentralisation and Equity for Children financed by the UNICEF has recommended the recognition of the Edathala grama panchayat as a national learning centre to the Central Government.

To attain this coveted status, it had enunciated a home-grown project titled ‘Valsalyam’ stressing the role of overall development of a child. ‘Valsalyam’ is the brainchild of M A M Muneer, president, Edathala grama panchayat and the model has successfully surpassed the criterion fixed by the UNICEF for an ideal model.

“We aimed at nothing but the development of children, especially those who have been marginalised owing to various circumstances in life,” he said. “Though the authorities claim that our place is safe for children, nothing could be farther from the truth. There are many pockets in our state which still remain hidden from the spot light. Only the local bodies could reach out to such remote areas,” he said.

The grama panchayat conducted detailed studies right from the grassroots level. “We prepared questionnaires and circulated them through various agencies like the CDS, ADS, ICDS, political parties and various merchant associations,” said Muneer. “It helped us immensely to identify the root cause of all evils. We identified issues which have been plaguing children for quite a long time and to our shock we discovered that all is not well with the children. High morbidity rates during early childhood among the very poor communities, disability and respiratory diseases among children, psycho-social problems among adolescent girls and boys, child abuse in buses and deserted roads were some of them. Based on the issues that came to the light, we prepared an action plan accordingly.”

Interaction plays a pivotal role in every developmental activity and it was ardently pursued in the model. There are many activities emphasising on interaction which would make children open up and come forward to making a clean breast of everything, ensuring that children are guided in turn. Muneer said that the plan is to complete the project in three years.
Peter M Raj, Director of Child Research Centre ,KILA (The funding agency representing UNICEF for carrying out the projects), said that Edathala grama panchayat is certainly on its way ahead. “If they could successfully complete the action plan charted out by them, the declaration by the UNICEF is not far behind,” he said.

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8483/52938040307540305339929.jpg
By prasanth_kcv (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/prasanth_kcv) at 2012-04-20

Courtesy Facebook

^^superb post Prashant. :lol:

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8483/52938040307540305339929.jpg
By prasanth_kcv (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/prasanth_kcv) at 2012-04-20

Courtesy Facebook
reminds Me of a banner put opposite temple at kizhakkambalam :
"ഇവിടെ മൂത്രം ഒഴിക്കുന്നവരെ നാട്ടുകാര്* കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്യുന്നതാണ്"

Mercedez Benz Star Drive Experience (http://www.mbstardriveexperience.co.in/) kicks off in Kochi

The event in Kochi will end tomorrow.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7455/p3250783.jpg
cc: Mathrubhumi

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2510/fffrrh.jpg

Watch the promo video here (http://www.yuvog.com/play/Sports/Star%20Drive%20Experience%20by%20Benz)

^^superb post Prashant. :lol:

Thnaks Mahesh, thanks to Facebook too.

International Conference on Real Estate to be held in Kochi

India hosting the IFAWPCA (http://www.ifawpca.org/index.php) convention after 21 years!

1000 delegates from different countries to participate

Convention to be held between Jan 6 and 9, 2013 at Le Meridien Convention Centre

Builders Association of India (BAI) brings the 40th IFAWPCA Convention to Kochi

IFAWPCA is the world's largest association of builders and contractors

Kochi concreting it's position as one of best MICE cities in the country! :cheers:

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6591/ffftei.jpg

Check the convention brochure here. (http://www.ifawpca.org/conventions/40th_conv/documents/40th_convention_brochure.pdf)

Nissan showroom is setting up in the very next plot to Nippon Towers Kalamassery.
Now we will have
1)Toyota
2)Nissan
3) Skoda

Showrooms in a single strech.
It looks to become a huge one !!:banana:

Nissan showroom is setting up in the very next plot to Nippon Towers Kalamassery.
Now we will have
1)Toyota
2)Nissan
3) Skoda

Showrooms in a single strech.
It looks to become a huge one !!:banana:

Is it a 2 nd showroom or they are just shifting

The NH 47 Kalamassery stretch is getting a refreshing look since some median beautification works have started last week.

Don't know who is working out this effort. Medians are beautified with some good looking plants.

:)

Is it a 2 nd showroom or they are just shifting

Most probably it will be the second show room coming up.

The 'auto mall' on bypass is extending north!! Great going!!

The 'auto mall' on bypass is extending north!! Great going!!

It shows the growth of the city. Personally, myself being from close to Aluva side, felt really difficult to take vehicles for service to the south of the city. A full day will be lost, taking into account half day each for sending and receiving. And many must have had the same prob going all the way to Maradu.

Is it a 2 nd showroom or they are just shifting

It must be the 2nd as seen the case with other mid-luxury brands.

Toyota 2, Honda 2, Chevrolet 3 etc.

Mahindra Navi Star
(http://www.mahindranavistar.com/news/Mahindra%20Navistar%20Release%20-Ahmedabad%2028th%20June.pdf)

Showroom coming up in Kochi soon.:banana:

The construction of a huge showroom is in the final stage!!
The showroom is setting up @ Vallathol Junction in Seaport Airport Road .

It shows the growth of the city. Personally, myself being from close to Aluva side, felt really difficult to take vehicles for service to the south of the city. A full day will be lost, taking into account half day each for sending and receiving. And many must have had the same prob going all the way to Maradu.

Dunno. I own a Ford, so service is at Palarivattom ;) I see Maruti and Hyundai service nearer on Civil line road.

Dunno. I own a Ford, so service is at Palarivattom ;) I see Maruti and Hyundai service nearer on Civil line road.
My story is bit old! ;)

Now i think most of the brands have services all over. BTW, I drove a Mahindra that time :)

Etios Motor Racing series in Kochi (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/article3342518.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd has unveiled the concept cars of its Etios Motor Racing (EMR) series along with motorsport activities in Kochi.

This new venture organised at Nippon Toyota here on Saturday is in line with its global philosophy of introducing ‘Waku Doki,' which in Japanese means ‘excitement, joy and fun.'

Mr Hitoshi Fukui, managing coordinator – marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said that the new sporty avatar of the Etios will re-emphasise the company's efforts in reaching out to the younger target group through the Etios brand.

It shows the growth of the city. Personally, myself being from close to Aluva side, felt really difficult to take vehicles for service to the south of the city. A full day will be lost, taking into account half day each for sending and receiving. And many must have had the same prob going all the way to Maradu.

Yeah... 100% true....:)

Mahindra Navi Star
(http://www.mahindranavistar.com/news/Mahindra%20Navistar%20Release%20-Ahmedabad%2028th%20June.pdf)

Showroom coming up in Kochi soon.:banana:

The construction of a huge showroom is in the final stage!!
The showroom is setting up @ Vallathol Junction in Seaport Airport Road .
Mahindra Navistatr already have a showroom in Perumbavoor(Pulluvazhy).

There's a nike store opening opposite francis alukkas.
looked quite big

Steps formulated to conserve Mangalavanam

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3102/fffgm.jpg
cc: Mathrubhumi

Steps formulated to conserve Mangalavanam


I consider this as a threat, than a blessing... No doubt, the city requires a Green Lung and Mangalavanam is acting the same. But its not possible to build up a Natural sanctuary for Birds, in heart of the city. Kochi needs economic growth than migatory birds..... Equally, the mashy lands is already a breeding growth for mosquitoes. You need to protect environment doesn't mean, it has to be done in Primitive style and embracing Early Man age.

It should be made into proper ecopark with exotic trees and landscaped facility, so that it gives dual purposes.... Suryavanam near CIAL is a model, rather than trying to encroach Railway and BPCL land and making more primitive and retarding growth of the city.... In anycase, one cannot expect more migatory birds, with Vallarpadam's Panmax Cranes, Naval UAVs and Petronet Chimneys in the vicinity......

Steps formulated to conserve Mangalavanam
Mangalavanam plan submitted (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/mangalavanam-plan-submitted-230)
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/MANGALA.jpg.crop_display.jpg

A meeting of the advisory committee on Mangalavanam has decided to submit a proposal to the state government to declare Manga-lavanam and its buffer zone as an ecologically sensitive area. The state government will send the proposal to the union government for follow-up action.

“In the meeting it was decided to submit the proposal to the government as early as possible. A report will be prepared soon with all the necessary documents by officials from the forest department,” said Radhakrishnan, assistant conservator.

The panel meeting held on Monday chaired by Hibi Eden MLA has also decided to bring in regulations to curb construction activities near the bird sanctuary to ensure that the region remains safe.

The vacant land adjacent to Mangalavanam, 10 acres owned by the railways and 22 acres owned by BPCL, will be made part of the bird sanctuary, said Eden.

A team of experts consisting of K. Sukumaran, chief wildlife warden; Nagesh Prabhu, chief forest conservator and V. Gopinath, principal chief conservator visited Mangalavanam on Monday.

The meeting urged the corporation authorities to take steps to divert the drainage channel passing through the bird sanctuary.

The meeting observed that the contaminated water in the pond and pollutants like plastic waste disposed within the sanctuary pose a serious threat to the biodiversity.

In the subcommittee meeting recently convened by forest minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, various demands like conducting environment conservation campaigns and organising research projects with the participation of the Cochin University of Science and Technology and the Kerala Agriculture Univer-sity were raised, said Eden.

Mayor Tony Chammany, deputy mayor B. Bhadra and town planning committee chairman K.J. Sohan also attended the meeting.

Demand on for ‘CA’ series plate (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/demand-%E2%80%98ca%E2%80%99-series-plate-228)

Registration in Ernakulam RTO, which is leading the count in the state, to enter CA series soon. Currently, BU series has been rolled.
The other RTO's following Ekm are:
Thiruvananthapuram: BF
Kozhikode: AL
Thrissur: AX
Malappuram: AK
Looking to buy a new vehicle in Kochi? You had better wait for a few months! A little patience could help you get the awesome ‘CA’ series number plate on your vehicle – for the very first time in Kerala.

And if you’re rich enough to make a top bid, you might even get that fancy KL-7 CA – 1 number.

The city has already sold out the KL-7 BU series.

The officials in the motor vehicle department say that, going at this pace, the ‘CA’ series should be available before October.

With the banks easing the loan clauses, vehicle sales have hit an all-time high in the city, facilitating the early entry of the ‘CA’ series.

It is learnt that several head honchos in the city are getting ready to bid for the magical number.

“Kochi had seen a mad rush when it hit the ‘BA’ series. The same thing may happen with the ‘CA’ series,” predicted T.J. Thomas, the Ernakulam regional transport officer.

Mercedez Benz Star Drive Experience (http://www.mbstardriveexperience.co.in/) kicks off in Kochi

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cc: EISK77

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cc EISK007

Kochi to host National Interventional Council 2012 (http://www.nickochi2012.org/index.php)

Kochi - The MICE Destination! :cheers:

More than 1300 cardiologists from and out of the country will participate in the event.
Event to be held from 27 to 29th of April 2012 at Le Meridien, Kochi

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/8831/fffcopyn.jpg
cc: Mathrubhumi

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3699/fffcopyk.jpg

City in shortage of 180 million litres of water (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/city-in-shortage-of-180-million-litres-of-war/251886-60-122.html)
At a time when alternatives for pipe water is dwindling by the day, the Kochi city gets less than 60 per cent of its water requirements. As of now, the city needs 430 million litres of water every day. However, the city gets a maximum of 250 litres from its Aluva plant resulting in daily shortage of more 180 million litres. “The pumping capacity of the Aluva plant is 225 million litres of water per day. Currently, it is pumping around 250 litres to cope up with the heavy water shortage. But as per the population in 2011, if every person in the city is to be supplied a fixed amount of 140 litres of water, then the city needs as much as 430 million litres of water.

After the HUDCO water project, there has been no major water supply projects for the city. So our water supply remains static even while the population and the individual demand has been going up,” said G Vanaja, Superintendent Engineer, Kerala Water Authority.

The largest burden of the water scarcity is borne by the tail end areas like Chellanam, Kumbalangi, Cheranaloor, Vennala, Thammanam and other bordering areas of the city. Also, an increase in consumption of water in the central parts of the city has a direct bearing on the water supply in these areas. “Water reaches these areas after passing through the central parts of the city where consumption of water is more than what is relegated to them. Unlike telephone or electricity, in the case of water there is no way to supply uniform quantities. All we can do is to urge people to avoid over-consumption,” said the Superintendent Engineer.

In fact, even the much-hyped Pazhoor drinking water project which is expected to provide 100 million litres of water per day after being materialised, will still leave the city short of 80 million litres of water daily.

Mercedez Benz Star Drive Experience (http://www.mbstardriveexperience.co.in/) kicks off in Kochi

Un3f9O2vIlU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOBdfqyZ6Xw

Cool! KSRTC drivers vie for AC buses (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/cool-ksrtc-drivers-vie-ac-buses-535) :lol:
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/BUS_0.jpg.crop_display.jpg

The KSRTC Ernakulam depot faces a unique problem. A batch of its drivers doesn’t want to be deployed on any buses other than the low-floor AC services, which is affecting other schedules as the corporation is already fighting an acute staff shortage.

The issue has taken on gigantic proportion as three drivers moved court against the mandatory rescheduling of services and staff being changed every six months.

“Before low-floor air-conditioned buses were introduced back in December 2009, a group of 30 willing staff were sent for training in Bengaluru where the Volvo company is based.

Gradually, others drivers are being trained by Volvo experts at the company service centre in Kalamassery.

However, now the first batch insists they should be permanently deployed on the upmarket orange Volvo buses,” a KSRTC official said on the condition of anonymity.

The drivers claim that they should be given seniority when it comes to driving the buses as they were the first batch to be professionally trained, a demand rejected by the management.

“How can we do that? The corporation decides seniority by the total number of years put in by the staff and not on any other basis,” the official said.

With the issue pending before court, the management has for the time being postponed the rotation policy indefinitely.

“It was originally slated to come into effect from last Sunday. Now that three drivers have already moved the court and another three are planning to take the legal route, we don’t want to create a mountain out of a mole hill,” the official said.

There are a total of 377 drivers in the Ernakulam depot out of which nearly 90 have received training on driving the low-floor buses.

With only half the total staff available on a particular shift, officials are worried that services will be affected if the 30-odd drivers continue to “behave indifferently”.

Kochi leads all cities in the annual employment Index growth (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/ngo/social-services-records-the-highest-annual-growth-among-sectors-monster-employment-index/articleshow/12866336.cms) :cheers:
NGO/Social Services (up 34 per cent) recorded the highest annual growth among sectors according to the Monster Employment Index March 2012 with 24 of the 27 industry sectors monitored registering expansion in recruitment activity between March'11 and March'12.

Index level rose five per cent from a year ago in March.

Import/export (up 20 per cent), agro-based industries (up 14 per cent), home appliances(up 13 per cent),office equipment/ automation(up 13 per cent)sectors maintained an upward trend in online recruiting or posting between March '11 and March'12.

Senior management(up 17 per cent) is the only group to record sequential month-on-month growth starting December 2011. The group led all occupation groups in long-term growth followed by arts/creative (up 14 per cent).

Marketing & communication (down 5 per cent) andHR & administration (down 5 per cent) exhibited the steepest annual decline among occupation groups

In terms of geographic year-over-year trends, Kochi (up 23 per cent) followed by Coimbatore (up 15 per cent) led all cities in annual growth. Among major metro-areas, Bangalore (up 5 per cent) and Delhi- NCR (up one per cent) registered positive annual growth. Ahmedabad(down 5 per cent)was amidst the slowest growth markets.

Good response for 3rd edition of Mercedez Benz Star Drive Experience

The event which commenced in Kochi will travel to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Chandigarh finally ending at Mumbai.

Merc AMG series SL 63, G55, C 63 cars were used for the event.

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/385/fffcopy.jpg
cc: Mathrubhumi

^^

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580400_298663213550039_197657883650573_634187_165432747_n.jpg

Kochi leads all cities in the annual employment Index growth (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/ngo/social-services-records-the-highest-annual-growth-among-sectors-monster-employment-index/articleshow/12866336.cms) :cheers:

waww , thats a good news indeed.....

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408424_294321163972753_100001846165800_703883_2054105937_n.jpg

Marine Drive: GCDA Evicts Petty Shop Owners (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/marine-drive-gcda-evicts-petty-shop-owners/252186-60-122.html)
Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has evicted petty shops near the Marine Drive walkway. The GCDA authorities said that the land would be utilised only for the purpose of parking. While the petty shop owners allege that they were evicted illegally, the GCDA authorities say that shops were evicted as the land was being misused.

“A contractor can collect fees for parking only. He cannot allot the space for those who run business by parking four-wheeler trolleys,” GCDA chairman N Venugopal said. He also said that selling tea, snacks and other edible stuff has caused pollution in the area. “Waste such as water bottles, paper cups and rotten fruits from these shops was piling up there and I have been getting numerous e-mails seeking action against this,” he added.

However, the shop owners say that they were allotted space for parking trolleys after they paid an amount by way of rent advance to the contractor. “The contractor who won the bid to collect parking fee was collecting `30 per day from us as rent,” said Kuttan, a vendor who was running a shop there.
According to him, the attempt by certain vendors to occupy space more than allotted to them resulted in the eviction of all. “Recently, some vendors brought additional vehicles, but they were not ready to pay the rent for the additional space which they occupied. This resulted in a total eviction,” Kuttan said. The evicted vendors also said that the affected will be the ones who run only one shop for livelihood. “There are people who own more than one shop. They will not suffer even if they are displaced from here as they have other means of income,” Kuttan added.

Meanwhile, the GCDA chairman said that people had set up shops on GCDA’s land at many places. “Running petty shops has become a major business. It has come to our notice that there are people who own more than 20 petty shops and wayside eateries at different locations. Action will be taken against them soon,” Venugopal said.

He also said that GCDA has identified 40 cents of land near Marine Drive for setting up open-air restaurants. “This area will be developed along with work of extension of Marine Drive,” Venugopal said.

Some Funny posts from Kochi :rofl:

courtesy: Kochi Tips

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XD Max ride at Wonderla Kochi (http://www.wonderla.com/index.php)

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/385/fffcopy.jpg
cc: Manorama

DEL

congrats to all the contributors. now the forum has begun to look lively and vibrant, like our city.:banana:

Passport Seva Kendra for Aluva and Tripunithura

http://kochigallan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/passport-seva-kendra-kochi-300x268.jpg

What all do you need to get your passport issued?

You got to log in to www.passportindia.gov.in and submit the online application. You will then get a date appointed to visit the Passport Seva Kendra (Passport Service Centre/PSK). Visit the place on the alloted date with the documents specified in the above mentioned website and get the procedures done, which should ideally be over in an hour. And than all what you got to do is to relax and wait for the passport delivery.

‘Where all in Kochi do they run the PSKs?’ The following are the two closest locations of PSKs in Kochi:

1) Moosa Vaidyar Memorial Building, Aluva Perumbavoor Road, Aluva – 683101 (Near Casino Theatre)

2) Ground Floor, Heera Royale, Airport Seaport Road, Cochin Palace P.O, Karingachira – 682301

These PSKs are getting ready to process 500 applications a day. This would bring down the time taken for delivery of ordinary and Tatkal passports drastically. The impressive, public-friendly PSKs, powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), have their front-end office, manned by TCS staff, where collection of biometric data takes place while passport officials verify documents and collect fees.

These are two of the 13 PSKs allocated to the State as part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘Passport Seva Project’. The project is aimed at providing efficient and speedy service to passport applicants. Good job, Mr.Minister :)

congrats to all the contributors. now the forum has begun to look lively and vibrant, like our city.:banana:

+1 , really true .... this forum helps many of us to be kept abreast of latest development in Kochi. Thanks guys, great going.

+1 , really true .... this forum helps many of us to be kept abreast of latest development in Kochi. Thanks guys, great going.

+1

Thanks to all the forum members. let's aim for 100000 now:)

From a nearly dead forum , this come back is really appreciable. Now this has become more vibrant and active .... Thanks to support extended by moderators .

Authorities ignore dangling cables in city (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/authorities-ignore-dangling-cables-in-city/252603-60-122.html)
Locals are worried as the authorities continue to ignore loosely tangled cable wires along roadsides.

A tailoring shop owner on M G road Nirmala said, “Dangling cable wires have become common in the city. In fact, every second post on the M G Road has a wire loosely held to it.”

The most scary are the wires hanging off the posts. “Recently, a biker enroute the Kaloor-Palarivattom Road came crashing down after he got stuck in a loosely hanging wire. Later, the wire was tied to the post,” said Sam, a resident of Kaloor.

However, according to the Corporation officials, the situation is beyond their control as the responsibility to maintain such wires lies with the private parties whose cable wires run through the posts. “It is impossible for us to identify the owners of each and every dangling wire in the city. However, we make it a point to tell the concerned parties once we are informed of such situations,” an official said. According to Kochi Corporation Works Standing Committee Chairperson Soumini Jain, the Corporation has no policy regarding such dangling wires. “Unless it is part of a utility shifting plan with our direct involvement, we have no authority to cut the wires. Only when a possible danger is cited, we gain the liberty to do anything,” she said.

However, according to some private players, most of the dangling lone wires in the city belong to BSNL, which had adopted underground cable system long time back. “They never bothered to remove the unless wires,” said an employee with a private cable company. Meanwhile, the Corporation officials also blamed the public for the dangling wires in the city. “Sometimes, people themselves cut the cable wires clustered on the posts. This is impossible to curb,” Soumini added.

The sights of wires dangling from the posts can be most seen on the M G Road and in Kaloor, Palarivattom and Kacheripady areas.

Authorities ignore dangling cables in city (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/authorities-ignore-dangling-cables-in-city/252603-60-122.html)
This is a common menace throughout Kerala.In Edappal town the crossing of electric wires are now reduced.Thanks to the widening of road and junction by KSTP.

JnNURM drinking water project: Collector to meet locals

To discuss complaints on land acquisition.

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:rofl:

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See more here (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346224378764668&set=a.344763418910764.90677.344759498911156&type=1&theater)

Rly retains marshalling yard (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/rly-retains-marshalling-yard-759)
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The Ernakulam goods marshalling yard —DC

Now it’s official. The Railways has reverted its decision to shut down the only wagon depot in the state – the Ernakulam goods marshalling yard. The first goods train rolled into the yard last Friday after nearly five months.

The issue was brought out by this newspaper on March 31, under the headline, “Goods train yard to get shunted out”.

It revealed the Railways’ plan to shift issuance of compulsory Break Power Certificate (fitness certificate) to goods trains from Erode as part of a larger game plan to finally close down the yard.

The report was based on a circular issued by the chief operating manager, Chennai, on February 16, stating that the activity at the marshalling yard was being cut down.

“On April 26, the goods yard received two formations, the next day one more and another, today. The mechanical staff, numbering around 60, who had been temporarily deployed to other departments, were brought back,” an official said.

A section of railway employees led by SRMU general secretary N.Kannaiyya and divisional secretary Gopikrishnan personally visited the chief mechanical engineer, Chennai, with the DC report.

“CME S.K.Sukud was convinced about the unwise step. The report also pinned the divisional officer’s claim that the yard was not profitable as it had clearly mentioned that the combined wagon clearance and demurrage charges for July, August and September last year stood at a whopping Rs1 crore,”, K.P.Ayyappan Nair, SRMU branch secretary, said.

Following this, orders were handed out to the divisional operating manager, to revert the decision.

Safety: Did railways compromise?

Did the railways compromise on safety in its attempt to close down the Ernakulam goods marshalling yard?

After a circular was issued on February 15, on cutting down the activity at the marshalling yard at Ernakulam, most of the goods trains running on the section obtained the Break Point Certificate (fitness certificate) from Erode.

However, for those goods trains whose BPC validity period (usually issued for 12-13 days) ends upon reaching the state, top divisional officials had reportedly directed their return without getting the certificate.

“In such a case the only option was to get BPC from the Ernakulam goods yard, but the officials didn’t want that to happen as it meant recommencing operations at the yard intended to be closed down.

Then they instructed the trains to return without the fitness certificate, violating railway rules,” an official said.

The issue was out last week, when the Palakkad division refused to receive two of the goods trains returning back without the BPC.

“One was heading to Salem market and the second one was ‘SNAG’. The Palakkad division refused entry without the mandatory BPC on Thursday.

Finally, one of the trains was made to return from Thrissur and the other from Vallathol Nagar to Ernakulam and obtain the BPC,” he said.

Another charge was that in the same way, oil tankers are being given fitness certificates from the Irumbanam yard without the vehicles undergoing the mandatory tests.

Garware Motors - Authorized dealer for Hyosung (http://www.hyosung.co.uk/main.php) in Kochi

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Machines at Cafe @ Cochin - Panampilly Nagar
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300 students to attend Student Police Cadet summer camp (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/300-students-to-attend-Student-Police-Cadet-summer-camp/articleshow/12943134.cms)
Over 300 students from various schools in the district will attend the four-day summer camp 'Kochi City Police 2012' of the Student Police Cadet (SPC) project, beginning in the city from May 2.

The camp, being organized by the city police, will be held at St Albert's Higher Secondary School.

Apart from 20 community police officers, 50 policemen up to the rank of assistant commissioners will attend the camp, which is aimed at inculcating social values and developing responsible and socially-committed law-abiding individuals. The camp will be a platform for students to interact with prominent personalities from various fields.

The students will be trained in unarmed combat, parade and mass drill. Ernakulam range inspector-general K Padmakumar, city police commissioner M R Ajith Kumar and traffic assistant commissioner V M Muhammed Rafeeq will attend the camp.

BMW S 1000 RR in Kochi

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Less number of rescuers on Fort Kochi Beach

Authorities unmoved even after 9 people drowned in the last 2 weeks

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He has won himself a fab machine with a fab no.

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there was a news sometime back that Central nod for Kochi metro would be after the JICA loan approval , todays' news piece says JICA loan would take an year .... So will the central nod also be equally delayed ?

^^

Approvals are for name sake, already Centre has allocated Rs 60 crores and DMRC will request more. So no issues as far as the project progress is concerned. The prelim constructions will take 1 year to complete, so the allotted funds can be used for that.

there was a news sometime back that Central nod for Kochi metro would be after the JICA loan approval , todays' news piece says JICA loan would take an year .... So will the central nod also be equally delayed ?

Its different. Approval from Bank will be fast, but reimbursment of loan amount needs few more months....

Its almost set, that JICA will issue approval letter and Central Cabinet passing the sanctioning letter.... But for current and upcoming works, it will mostly central and state funds to be used. DMRC being a Govt firm with key people in the ministry, its not an issue for Central Govt to issue grants or funding from unallocated plans and adjust later

Good to see a collective effort!

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ORUMAYUNDENGIL ULAKKAYILUM KIDAKKAM

Good to see a collective effort!

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Training for Kochi Metro Engineers begin

6 assistant Engr. and 17 Jr. Engr. selected for training. The engineers will be sent to Delhi for On-site training.

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SBI cash depositing machine at Marine Drive branch

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Aamir Khan visits Mohanalal

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KOCHI, May 5, 2012 Kochi to host meet on coconut (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3386882.ece)

Cocotech, a meeting of the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), will be held in Kochi from July 2 to 6. The meeting is being organised by the Coconut Development Board.

The APCC, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, is an inter-governmental organisation, established with the objective of promoting coconut development activities of the region. A permanent panel on coconut technology will discuss issues pertaining to farming, processing and export of the commodity. The APCC has 16 regular members including Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

The theme of the meeting is ‘Inclusive growth and sustainable development of the coconut industry'. A meeting on the conduct of the international event was held at Thiruvanathapuram on Wednesday. K.Jayakumar, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala; Sanjeev Chopra, Joint Secretary, Government of India; T.K.Jose, Chairman, Coconut Development Board; K.R. Jyothilal, Secretary, Agriculture; participated in the discussions, according to a press release issued by the CDB.

Harley-Davidson to go full throttle for Kochi (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Harley-Davidson-to-go-full-throttle-for-Kochi/articleshow/13002748.cms) :)
It's the widest thing on two wheels but its porky shape belies the way it can turn a bend at six-speed transmission. Come August, the iconic Harley-Davidson is opening a showroom in Kochi and our normally staid thoroughfares will be treated to bikers - in fingerless gloves, bandannas and tasseled leather - burning the asphalt.In a few months, Kochi will see bikers thundering down the streets on Harley-Davidson bikes, burning the asphalt in their leather jackets, boots and bandannas. Harley-Davidson, the iconic American marque among two-wheeled brands, is opening a showroom in Kochi come August this year.

"We will have an 18,000-sq ft showroom at Maradu on the Vyttila-Aroor bypass road," revealed Mitesh K Patel, director of KP Cars Pvt Ltd, which also owns the Audi dealership in Kochi. Apart from the bikes, the showroom will also feature apparel and bike accessories riding on the Harley-Davidson brand.

"Unlike other Harley dealerships in the country, ours will have sales, service and spares under a single roof featuring a wide range of merchandise. Lifestyle merchandise like branded apparel, eyewear, key chains, mugs and wallets will be available here. We will also have the Screamin' Eagle brand of original Harley-Davidson performance products in the showroom," Patel said.

Harley-Davidson offers 15 of its models in the country ranging from Superlow which comes at a price tag of Rs 5.6 lakh to the Ultra Classic Electra Glide which costs Rs 34.5 lakh. "We will have models priced up to Rs 25 lakh in our Kochi showroom," Patel said. The best known brand among superbikes, Harley-Davidson currently has seven dealerships in India - Chandigarh, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai - which sell bike parts and accessories showcasing the Harley-Davidson brand. Approximately, 6% of Milwaukee, Winsconsin-based Harley- Davidson Inc's worldwide revenues are derived from accessory sales. "Our eighth showroom is coming up in Kolkata soon. Kochi will be our ninth," said Sanjay Tripathi, director of marketing with Harley Davidson India. "Since July 2010, when we started our India operations, we have sold more than 1,000 Harleys in the country," Tripathy said.

Harley-Davidson to go full throttle for Kochi (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Harley-Davidson-to-go-full-throttle-for-Kochi/articleshow/13002748.cms) :)

Great news for Bike lovers of Kochi ....:cheers:

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Aamir effect: Fishermen on cloud nine (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-06/kochi/31597123_1_aamir-khan-fishermen-cloud-nine)
A group of fishermen in Fort Kochi is on cloud nine. They will be seen along with actor Aamir Khan in the latter's television debut 'Satayamev Jayate' which will be aired from Sunday.

The title song of the programme to be aired in 100 countries and eight languages has the visuals of these fishermen pulling Chinese net along with the Bollywood superstar.


The fishermen are eagerly waiting for Sunday when the programme will hit the mini-screen. "We will surely watch the programme. We are proud to appear on the screen along with such a great actor," says Zacharia of Valiyakath, Fort Kochi.

"It's the most memorable moment in my life. Aamir Khan spoke to us, drawing us close to him. We have seen many actors. But Aamir is so loving and down-to-earth," Sandyav, another fisherman in the team says.

"He asked us our names. Then we staged a demo of how the Chinese net functions. When we got a catch, of some tiger fish, he was wonderstruck," Sandyav said.

It was Nawas Cochin of Crowd Media who helped Aamir arrange the facilities for shooting at Fort Kochi.

"Even his arrival was unexpected. Nawas Cochin told us about the shooting only half-an-hour before the event. When he reached the beach around 5.30pm, we couldn't believe it. It took a few minutes to sink in," Sandyav says. Manaf, James and Shaiju are the other fishermen who participated in the programme.

When Aamir arrived at Fort Kochi, children shouted slogans in support of the actor. "Soon after arriving in Fort Kochi, he joined us for a coffee. Only then did he go to the location," said Nawas Cochin.

In February this year, Aamir and his crew had visited Kerala for filming parts of the title song of 'Satyamev Jayate' a television programme depicting real life incidents across the country.

More eve-teasers on the prowl (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/more-eve-teasers-prowl-288)

Beware, the good looking girl will be in Mufti ;)
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A group of girls goes past staring eyes near Fort Kochi beach on Sunday.

In a shocking revelation, the Kochi special branch said that the wing had held 322 eve-teasers from the city since January.

The police also confirmed that eve-teasing was one of the most frequently committed crimes in Kochi.

According to the police, the special branch catches at least two eve-teasers a day and between 60 and 100 a month. The nature of teasing varies from attempt to get phone numbers to exhibitionism.

After witnessing the rise in the number of eve-teasing incidents, the city police commissioner, Mr. M.R. Ajith Kumar, directed the special branch to form a women's wing to nab the teasers. Women's squad in mufti is already operating in the crowded areas in the city.

The aim, said police officials, is to stamp out eve-teasing and hooliganism. "Our priority is to ensure that Kochi leads a smooth life without any untoward incidents," said Tomy Sebastian, assistant commissioner of the special branch.

Women's squad members said the walkway at Marine Drive, Subhash Park, South KSRTC bus stand and theatre premises were places where most eve-teasing cases occurred.

A woman cop, who is a member of the special squad, told Deccan Chronicle that teasers often approached school girls with indecent notions.

“A few days ago, we were standing on the MG road, when two school girls ran up to us and told us about some eve-teasers. They said a gang showed them currency notes and asked them to accompany them in a car. We immediately informed our male police officers, who arrived at the scene and took the miscreants into custody,” she added.

Kochi on the radar of terrorists (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/an-attractive-target-for-ultras/255781-60-122.html)
More than a decade after terrorism found its way into God’s Own Country, one of the questions is whether the city has adequate security mechanism to counter any possible terrorist attack on its major hotspots.
Intelligence reports say the presence of sensitive establishments like Naval Armament Depot, Southern Naval Command headquarters, Special Economic Zone and LNG terminal has put Kochi on the radar of terrorists.

With lots of metro-related development projects in its kitty, there are big possibilities of terrorist threat in Kochi, police said.
In the wake of Delhi blast last year, a high alert was sounded in southern cities including Kochi. For the first time terrorists struck Kerala by blasting bombs in two bus stations in Kozhikode. Later a meeting of SIMI, the banned terrorist outfit was held in Aluva on Independence Day.

Naval Armament Depot

The Naval Armament Depot (NAD), Aluva, one of the six NADs in the country, which is keeping the arms and ammunition for the Southern Navy is the major target in the city.
The International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam, the only transshipment port in India, and Cochin Port, one of the largest in India, may also be at risk.

Ernakulam Junction

Ernakulam Junction is the largest railway station in the city. The station, with six platforms and two terminals, is one of the busiest in the state. Ernakulam Town is one of the three main railway stations in the city. Unlike several major cities in the country, Kochi does not have a metal detector or baggage scanner. These devices are used only when bomb blasts occur in other parts of the country.

Cochin International Airport

The Cochin International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Kerala. The airport handles approximately around 800 aircraft per week, with thousands of passengers each day. As many as eight domestic airlines and 16 international airlines connect Kochi with nearly 40 destinations nationally and internationally.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade in the city and a popular hangout for the local populace, also lacks securtiy cover. Hundreds of people throng the walkway during the evenings.

Cochin Shipyard Ltd

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility. It is part of a line of maritime-related facilities in the port city. India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier is being built in the shipyard.

Kochi Refineries

Another sensitive area is the Kochi Refineries Ltd (KRL).

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is the historical part of the city and home to many tourist spots, such as the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the Mattanchery Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Mattanchery Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, and Jewish Synagogue are also facing security threat.

The LNG terminal

The LNG terminal is another sensitive spot of the city. Natural gas is stocked and supplied to other parts of the country from Kochi.

With such a high number of developing and existing projects, the current security system will be enhanced, police said. As Kochi has is the industrial capital of the state, the current security system lacks the edge and police are planning to step up the surveillance system.

Police to secure Kochi (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/police-to-secure-kochi/255730-60-122.html)
In the coming days, the security system in the city will be intensified.

The high-level security analysis meeting of the police to be convened in the last week of this month will look into the drawbacks of the current security system and measures to enhance policing. According to sources, Kochi has become one of the prime industrial cities in the country and has several sensitive points.

“It is one of the fast developing cities and a prime tourist spot. Sea coasts provide an entry point for terrorists, and this puts Kochi in a vulnerable spot. The meeting gains significance in the wake of the recently-concluded annual security drill ‘Triton’ which dealt with the security of coastal cities,” sources told City Express.

“The security system at key spots like Cochin Port, Vallarpadam and High Court will be enhanced. Same is the case with tourist places like Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. We will soon chalk out precautionary measures to counter any possible terrorist attack,” sources said.

Representatives of security agencies will also take part in the meeting.
“We will also discuss issues like disaster management. The Fire Force and disaster management agencies have to enhance their activities in the time of natural calamities. The lack of coordination of agencies during the earthquake last month indicates the poor disaster management system in the state. We plan to include the Navy, CISF, Fire and Rescue Department in the meeting. The official at the level of ADGP will also take part in the meeting,” sources said.

However, police officials ruled out any threat to law and order prevailing in the city.
“The meeting is being carried out to assess the entire security system of the city. There is no threat to law and order as of now. But precautions will be taken to make Kochi a peaceful and safe place for the people,” police said.

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SBI Kochi - First Bank in the state

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Techies held for hacking server (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/techies-held-hacking-server-820)
Two technical supervisors of a leading data bank here were arrested on Sunday after they hacked into the company server and accessed data before blackmailing the organisation for the sum of Rs 4 lakh.

In what is described as a “new age crime” by the cops, the duo Pradeep (32), a native of Amayoor in Palakkad, and Jibin Abraham Mathew (22), of Pathanamthitta, first won the confidence of the company owner, who in turn assigned them charge of the online activities.

The accused, both IT experts, slowly learnt the password and access code to the secret data files of leading clients.

“Then one day they vanished with the data and directly contacted the clients offering them services at a smaller sum than the company was asking,” a police official said.

The data bank company, based in Palarivattom, stores crucial data of high-profile people as secondary storage. It is only one of the two such organisations functioning in Kochi.

The data ranges from information regarding business activities, details of clients and investments.

The duo, who was working in the Rs 2.5 crore worth company for the last one year, also hacked into its server and rendered it non-functional for a week. One of the accused Pradeep is a B.Tech holder while the other had passed a hacker’s course.

“They then called the owner asking for a ransom of `4 lakh to get the server to again.

The owner filed a case and after a detailed probe, the duo was held in Kaloor on Monday morning,” the official said.

They were lured into a trap by the cops who asked the owner to offer them the cash after asking the duo to come to Kaloor.

Kairali Ford is opening up a new dealership(Full-Fledged showroom-service) at Muvattupuzha. it is at Kadathi,NH49.

Our old railway station premises

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What happened to this station's renovation? A vast area in the heart of the city is being wasted.....Now an underworld is in making here ...

^^^^^^

Its really insult to our own history and legacy..... Each stone of this bldg has several stories to tell, the intense pains taken by one determined King to change his city and state to new levels, that too within 3 years and without even sufficient penny in his pocket.......

If railways is not interested, atleast the Govt of Kerala must take over and make it a living museum to tell Kochinites, what role H.H Maharaja Rama Varma played in reshaping the destiny of Kochi with this single line and his dream station, even on verge of losing his crown.......

O K , H H M Rama Varma might have contributed wonderfully to the railway expansion of previous Cochin state ; but that does not mean that present Kochi would not be linked to major cities of India. Further , sometimes may be best ever than the present state of affairs ; in case of railways ; considering IT hub , DP World ICTT and a major port .
If Indian railways is not interested in developing the present dead vast area , better hand over it to DMRC\ KMRL . But a BIG 'NO' TO museum by any authority including GOK , coz me share your thoughts of being in the heart of the city .

All of Kochinites, and our MPs are dreaming and working for seeing Ernakulam Central back in this station.... Even several rounds of agitations have happened and will continue......

As we all share, the best is to make this station as Ernakulam Central Terminus, where all long distance trains originating/terminating at Kochi starts. This would considerably reduce pressure on ERS.

This bldg needs to be converted into museum, after restoring back to its glory, while a new terminal needs to be developed probably on PPP basis......

I don't personally feel, the current bldg will be spacious or accomodating enough to handle major trains, as its not so huge..... So the focus should be making into a heritage museum, with a new station in the plot. After all Railways has more than 30 acres of land here.

They have to do something, rather than contributing to make another mosquito breeding ground in name of imaginary bird sanctuary........

I have no hope on railways converting this land into a new station....Even for the CIAL station, their attitude was not satisfactory...they said it is not included in their list of priority...so they may not consider a new station here, since another station is situated within few kilometers...moreover for constructing a station railways need to start from ' A, B,C' ..all buildings need to reconstructed, new rail tracks needs to affixed as the current tracks runs underneath the soil....so a new station is a far dream...
I won't support real estate activities here, as it will completely ruin nearby mangalavanam...I support either museum or a park or both...We all know kochi badly need open spaces ....

^^^^^^^^^^

Railways is a push-pull express between MLAs, MPs, Ministers, political parties etc.... Many of MPs from Kochi and Ministers are actively pressing for developing a major station here.... We can't rule-out as of now, though its still a dream....

Yes, its true, railways is never positive towards Kerala and its development parties. As long as we don't have regional parties, it will be like that. Still I have some hope, as bureaucratic lobby too has taken too positive stand for it.

Mangalavanam, as of now is 80 acre facility, completely left unattended and no proper maintanence for sake of migratory birds.... With skyscrapers, development projects like Port SEZ, Petronet and other projects, its impossible to get anymore migatory birds into this place.... You cannot freeze the development of city, for sake of migatory birds.....

Hence, the relevance of unattended forest in heart of city is unproductive and not useful. Rather it must be scientifically developed into a proper botanical gardens with a bird park. This museum could be added advantage.

The railway station here has lot of relevance. South is really cluttered and no more scope for development.... If we can shift atleast Kochi originating/ending trains to Ernakulam Central along with suburban trains for future, it shall give lot of breathing space for ERS.......

I feel, we need both museum, park and railway station, rather a mosquito breeding mashy forest, series of dilapidated bldgs and encroachment settlements here and there.......

With Didi at the helm, it may be a far cry, but Ernakulam Central is a good candidate for heralding private participation in railways - the CIAL model!

Indian Railways will be the least bothered to revive the station, and even in the unlikely event they do, they will create a mess out of it, just as they have messed up CHTS, ERS and ERN

Rather the railway ministry should call for tenders/auction from private players (or simply hand it over to DMRC) to construct the terminal and maintenance facilities on a BOT basis - just as CIAL runs the airport and airlines operate flights from them. The railway station company would get royalties / % of revenue share for each train starting or having maintenance here.

Unlike airlines, only Indian railways would be operating the trains, so the BOT agreement should also specify IR commiting to operate a specific number of trains from this terminal.

If the model works out, it could just herald the transformation of the railway infrastructure in India.

^^ i would like to see the proposed Railways medical college coming up here...there is no better place :bash:

^^ i would like to see the proposed Railways medical college coming up here...there is no better place :bash:

Personally I don't feel its good..... Ofcourse I have least hopes on Railway MC, when they haven't started works for those announced till now.....

But even for lobbying, I don't believe, this place is good.... The place has a great historical and environmental significance.... Surely a Medical College is not something that suits to such a scenairo, especially a govt owned facility.

Rather such facility has a significance if planned in Vytilla, where Railways have huge tracts of land..... The centralized location, easy access to any kind of transportation makes that place perfect. A halt station and access to VMH are something people are pressurizing. This will help the railways to have a good MC facility near to a station itself......

Kochi to host 16th Indian plumbing meet in July (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/article3416176.ece)
Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) (http://www.indianplumbing.org/), in association with Akar Info Media Pvt Ltd, will organise the 16th Indian Plumbing Conference in Kochi on July 12-13.

The theme of the conference is ‘Water Sustainability: Codes, Education, Implementation, Monitoring.'

Experts will deliberate on topics such as sustainable plumbing practices, education and awareness, renew and reuse, water supply and sanitation scenario in Kerala.

Mr Sudhakaran Nair, deputy chairman of World Plumbing Council, told Business Line that the national plumbing conventions organised by IPA since 2003 have helped tremendously in creating awareness about better plumbing practices across the country.

These conventions have played a pivotal role in propagating the adoption of better techniques for drainage solution, solar water heating, rain water harvesting, water recycling, green plumbing, energy efficient plumbing and so on.

Of late, there has been a surge in demand for high end plumbing products across the country due to rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles and exposure to international products. Besides the mushrooming of malls and multiplexes, hotel rooms not only in major cities but also in tier II and III cities have created a great demand for latest pluming products, he said.

Out of the total construction sector, he said residential and commercial sector plays a significant role in rising demand for plumbing products. The component of plumbing varies from 5 to 10 per cent of the building construction cost.

According to Mr Nair, the ensuing plumbing conference in Kochi assumes significance particularly to Kerala at a time when the state is on the threshold of a major development initiative in the infrastructure sector like tourism, healthcare, IT.

All these medical colleges are pvt and need a big amount to get into this. But the raiway medical colleges are under the control of raiway. So the railway employees no need to goto Chennai for treatment.

We need railway medical colleges, army medical colleges, central medical colleges, state govt medical colleges along with the private medical colleges.


A number of big hospitals and medical colleges are coming up in the city peripherals and whole Kerala state . do we need really a medical faclity by railway when taking into account of the medical firms,many just awaiting environmental clearance?
The fund can better be allocated for further rail expansion like Edapilly - GVR , Ankamaly - Azhutha etc .

All these medical colleges are pvt and need a big amount to get into this. But the raiway medical colleges are under the control of raiway. So the railway employees no need to goto Chennai for treatment.

We need railway medical colleges, army medical colleges, central medical colleges, state govt medical colleges along with the private medical colleges.

INHS Sanjeevani is the Naval Hospital in Kochi.Considered one of the bestin the city.

Some Kochi tips :)

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Deers at Hill Palace Deer Park

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cc: Manorama

xEDs87CHRPs

RCB to bring Kozhikode & Kochi closer by 40km (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/RCB-to-bring-Kozhikode-Kochi-closer-by-40km/articleshow/13188868.cms)
The Chamravattom regulator-cum-bridge across Nila to be opened to public by chief minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday will cut short the distance between Kozhikode and Kochi by 40km.

The bridge connecting Ponnani and Tirur is an alternative to the existing route through Kottakkal, Valancheri, Kuttipuram, Edappal and Thrissur.

Permits have already been sanctioned to 28 KSRTC buses to operate services through the bridge. It is learnt that the KSRTC will operate 16 superfast buses, and 12 town-to-town services between Kozhikode-Ernakulam, and Kozhikode-Guruvayoor.

Expectations are high among the trade bodies in the district as the bridge is expected to boost tourism and trade in the region.

The general secretary of Tirur Chamber of Commerce P P Abdul Rahman said Ponnani and Tirur would be the major beneficiaries of the developments.

"The traffic through the bridge will give a new lease of life to the trade centres," he said.

But the poor condition of the roads from Chamravattom to Tirur and Tanur continue to be cause of concern. "The Thazhepalam bridge in the route would be reconstructed and a new bus stand would be built in Tirur to accommodate the 28 KSRTC buses which are going to start service through Chamravattom bridge," Rahman said.

Even though the Chamravattom project was started as a major irrigation project for the district with the support of Centre-sponsored schemes, the bridge is also a part of the proposed coastal highway from Ponnani to Vengalam in Kozhikode.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the inaugural function of the bridge. Union minister of state for external affairs E Ahamed, industry minister P K Kunhalikutty, power minister Aryadan Muhammed, tourism minster A P Anilkumar, education minister P K Abdurabb and others will attend.

Hi Guys!! Tawang, India banner is up.. Plz vote for it.

http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/?page=banner

:cheers:

40th IFAWPCA (http://www.ifawpca.org/) convention in Kochi

India hosting the event after 22 years; to be held from Jan 6-9, 2013

http://www.ifawpca.org/get_news_photo_pub.php?uid=31

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cc: Manorama

CDB to host 45th APCC COCOTECH meeting in Kochi (http://www.fnbnews.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=31915&sectionid=1)
The government of India, under the auspices of the Coconut Development Board (CDB) (http://coconutboard.nic.in/), is hosting the XLV (45th) COCOTECH meeting of the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) from July 2 to 6, 2012 in Kochi, Kerala. This information was provided by CDB through its website.

APCC, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, is an inter-governmental organisation established with the objective to promote, coordinate and harmonise coconut developmental activities of the Asia-Pacific region.

The theme of the XLV APCC COCOTECH meeting is 'Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development of the Coconut Industry'. Along with the meeting, a coconut festival will also be organised, wherein various value-added products, technologies and machineries from member countries will be showcased.

A meeting on the successful conduct of the event was convened at the Kerala Government Secretariat in Thiruvanathapuram on May 2, 2012. K Jayakumar, chief secretary of the state government, presided over it. Sanjeev Chopra, joint secretary, Government of India, and national liaison officer (NLO) for India for COCOTECH; T K Jose, chairman, CDB, and K R Jyothilal, secretary (agriculture), Government of Kerala, participated in the discussion.

Jayakumar assured the strong presence and wholehearted cooperation of the government of Kerala and all related departments for the smooth conduct of the COCOTECH meeting. He opined that this would be an opportunity for the coconut farmers and coconut entrepreneurs of Kerala to avail the technical knowhow of the participating countries.

He also suggested about that an interactive session be conducted, where the coconut farmers could have their queries answered by the foreign delegates. George V Thomas, director, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI); K Prathapan, director, State Horticulture Mission, and Ajith Kumar, director, Department of Agriculture, also attended the meeting.

COCOTECH is the permanent panel on coconut technology of APCC member countries. The event is held every two years. The meeting provides a common platform for producers/progressive farmers; processors; machinery manufacturers; exporters; other stakeholders and scientists and research workers from member countries. The policy-making body of APCC is the APCC session which is held every calendar year. India hosted two APCC Sessions (at Kochi in1988 and at Bangalore in 2001) and two COCOTECH meetings (at Kochi in 1995 and at Chennai in 2000).

This year's meeting will cover a comprehensive range of technical sessions and topics, including the success stories of model coconut farmers and small to medium-scale coconut processors/entrepreneurs. New technologies and research and development update on coconut-based farming systems, product diversification and coconut processing, including the medical findings on the health attributes of coconut oil/virgin coconut oil (VCO) as well as developments in the marketing of coconut products.

Issues and topics which are related to the global financial crisis, climate change as well as the carbon credit market will also be discussed in the XLV APCC COCOTECH meeting. Experts from the scientific field and from the corporate sector will be invited as resource speakers.

The meeting is open to public and related agencies on payment of registration fee. The registration fee is $300 for non-government sector participants from APCC member countries and $200 for government sector participants/NGOs from APCC member countries. APCC stimulates regional cooperation across national boundaries. APCC comprises 16 regular members namely the Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; India; Indonesia; Kiribati; Malaysia; the Marshall Islands; Papua New Guinea; the Philippines; Samoa; the Solomon Islands; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Tonga; Vanuatu and Vietnam and two associate members (Jamaica and Kenya). India is one of the founder members.

40th IFAWPCA (http://www.ifawpca.org/) convention in Kochi


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cc: Mangalam

^^ i would like to see the proposed Railways medical college coming up here...there is no better place :bash:

There is no proposal for railway medical college here in past railway budgets till date.

Please check indian railway budget speech 2009-10, for list of proposed new railway medical colleges attached to existing railway hospitals:-
http://www.indianrail.gov.in/doc/Speech_English_2009-10.pdf

Snaps from Mercedes-Benz StarDrive Experience (http://www.mercedes-benz.co.in/content/india/mpc/mpc_india_website/enng/home_mpc/passengercars/home/world/sport_lifestyle/Stardrive.html) at Cochin

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Surya Kirans forming pattern near Old Harbor Bridge

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cc: FB/Kochi Tips

Online grocery shopping comes to Kochi. http://www.tendermango.com/

Ad came in today's paper. Need to try them.

Kochi - The coolest city among the five major cities in south

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-low-on-comfort-due-to-humidity-levels/articleshow/13280855.cms

Life in Chennai this summer has been more uncomfortable compared to other southern cities because of the high humidity.

Temperature in the city crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark twice in the last week. In Hyderabad, in the same period, it stayed above the 40-degree mark on all except one day, but people say the weather in that city was more bearable. "In Chennai, because one sweats a lot, one feels more uncomfortable during the day," said V K U Udayavel who has lived in both cities.

However, night temperatures have dipped in Chennai with the sea breeze setting in. The temperature here can come down by as much as 10 degrees Celsius, said Met department officials. "If the sea breeze sets in early, the nights are much cooler," said deputy director general of the India Meteorological Department, Y E A Raj.

Among the five southern cities of Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and Coimbatore , Hyderabad and Chennai have recorded the maximum temperatures during the week from May 11 to 17. Next comes the textile city of Coimbatore, where the maximum temperature has hovered around the 35-degree Celsius mark, although residents there said it was not as hot as the numbers suggested. "It is quite windy here and with the south-west monsoon expected soon, it is bearable. The nights are actually a bit chilly," said Soundaraya Rajan, a resident of Coimbatore.

Kochi, which is close to the Western Ghats and is located on the windward side of the south-west winds, was among the coolest in the same period. The maximum temperature there has not crossed 33 degrees in the last one week.

But Bangalore had the best weather. Rains have cooled the city and maximum temperatures were around 32 degrees C last week. "The mornings remained slightly chill", said Aneesha Bangera, a resident of the city.