Kottayam cityscapes/projects [Archive] - Page 5

sakrishna

March 30th, 2010, 05:28 AM

Protest against tourism project at Metran Kayal

Staff Reporter

417-acre Metran Kayal was bought by developers from 153 farmers

http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/30/images/2010033057920301.jpg
in agitation mode: Environmentalists led by Fr. Thomas Peeliyanickel taking an oath to protect paddy cultivation in Kuttanad at Metran Kayal on Monday.
KOTTAYAM: The controversy over the tourism project at the 417-acre Metran Kayal also known as Seminary Kayal is snowballing, with environmentalists and agriculturists joining hands against the project.
On Monday, Fr. Thomas Peeliyanickel, executive director, Kuttanad Vikasana Samithy; N. K. Sukumaran Nair, general secretary, Pamba Parirakshana Samithy; Unnikrishnan of Kottayam Nature Club; and M.J. Sivadas, president of Vembanad Kayal Samrakshana Samithy; joined hands to launch what they termed a sustained agitation. In a symbolic act, the protestors held harvested paddy spikes close to their heart and took a pledge to protect the paddy fields at Metran Kayal and called upon all sections of the people to join hands to protest against the large scale destruction of rich paddy fields in Kuttanad.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Peeliyanickel said they would soon form units of environmentalists across Kerala to fight for the ‘kayal.' The fight will signify the future of paddy cultivation in Kerala, he said.
According to him, protection of environment and paddy were part of the developmental efforts and not against society's growth.
There are very clear laws against alienation of paddy fields for other uses but authorities seem to turn a blind eye to it. Fr. Peeliyanickel called upon the authorities to take immediate action to cancel the title deeds issued to the new owners for using the land for purposes other than paddy cultivation.
Fr. Peeliyanickel said the State was facing a crisis in food security and today the State produces only 15 per of its needs. The paddy cultivation area which stood at eight lakh hectares in 1965 has dwindled to just 2.64 lakh hectares in 2007.
Metran Kayal, one of the richest paddy tracks in Kuttanad area, was bought by developers from 153 farmers at very low prices and they had kept the kayal fallow for three years.
Now they are going to build a high cost tourism facility after reclamation of the ‘kayal.' This would mark the end of paddy cultivation in Kuttanad and the death of the Vembanad Lake, he said.
Fr. Peeliyanickel alleged that the developers were making unsustainable promises to woo the local people.
Instead of tourism projects with no local moorings, the ‘kayal' should be turned into a comprehensive paddy research and farming centre which would attract tourists, he pointed out.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/30/stories/2010033057920300.htm)

sakrishna

March 30th, 2010, 05:31 AM

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://item.slide.com/r/1/157/i/dZqXu_4w5z-UI44AcH9FRK6QypCH0e8K/

sakrishna

March 31st, 2010, 06:52 PM

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys/1sm134plead.gif

Tourism project needs Central nod
Staff Reporter

Says letter from the Forest Department on project near Kumarakom

KOTTAYAM: The proposed tourism project at Metran Kayal near Kumarakom which has turned to be an ecological issue would need environmental clearance from the Central government, according to a letter to the Industries Department from the Department of Forests and Wild Life.
The Industries Department had sent the project report of the proposed Kumarakom Tourism Resort Village at Metran Kayal to the Forests and Wild Life Department for their comments in a letter dated December 1, 2009.
The Forests and Wild Life Department in its reply has said that as per notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, on September 14, 2006, the project falls under Category BI and hence would need environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)”.
It goes on to say that “as per the above notification, in the absence of a duly constituted SEIAA by the Government of India category B project will be treated as Category A project and may require clearance from the Centre”.
According to environmentalists the notification has categorised all projects and activities into two categories: Category A and Category B, based on the special extent of potential impacts on human health and natural and man-made resources.
The Metran Kayal project which envisages a resort themed township with an 18-hole international golf course, resort hotels and spa, cafes and restaurants street mall villas comes under Category B1 and would require Environmental Impact Assessment study.

Ramsar site
Letter from the Forests and Wild Life Department has also pointed out that Vembanad lake is a Ramsar site notified in 2002 and a large number of resident and migratory birds are seen in the paddy fields in and around the lake.
Already a project for integrated development of wildlife habitats, with a financial assistance of Rs.33.95 lakh from the Centre has been sanctioned, it has pointed out.
As per the letter the population of migratory ducks and teals have now moved away from the lake area due to constant disturbances created by the movement of houseboats plying across the lake through out the day

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/31/stories/2010033152040300.htm)

sanjupalayat

April 1st, 2010, 08:10 AM

Dear Krishna, i was at Kottayam yesterday on a short notice...tried ur mobile, but din get you...anyways taken some shots..i tried my level best to avoid those ugly cables all around, but sorry, it was a mess everywhere, so i was unsuccessful...

http://i41.tinypic.com/5pn7u0.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/opmx01.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2dbtmqv.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/214a8ld.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/xdec76.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/10ekoqu.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/1zz5grq.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/2mwdm2u.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/vollde.jpg

sakrishna

April 1st, 2010, 09:18 AM

sakrishna

April 1st, 2010, 12:11 PM

Pic(c) Sabu-Mampallil-Kottayam @ Panoramio

Apartments coming up in Kottayam
http://item.slide.com/r/1/161/i/cOnm9j-N2j8cJJuKG64PceFlWwfh6fnt/

sanjupalayat

April 1st, 2010, 01:02 PM

^^
wow, you were there in Kottayam. At what time?

..and Thank you very much for the pics.

I lost my mobile phone last week. It slipped off my pocket at Kayamkulam on my way to Kottayam.

Will PM my new no: once I get a new connection. I lost your mob. no also along with it.

Pls PM your no. again.

Anyway, I've decide to buy a Cam mobile this time.The one which I lost was a N1110 (my mom bought it for me. was very much attatched to it):cry:.

Yesterday afternoon..i was at MG USITY, then came to KSRTC to take bus to thrissur on my way to calicut..

And Kalyan jwellers people came and asked me why i have taken photos, may be thought that i am a terrorist...:lol: do i look like one??:nuts:

sakrishna

April 1st, 2010, 04:17 PM

Pic(c) Sabu-Mampallil-Kottayam @ Panoramio

Thirunakkara Shiva Temple Ground
http://item.slide.com/r/1/157/i/eigZqat22z-0f3Mz8NKZH3JlcbcZaEi9/

sakrishna

April 1st, 2010, 04:21 PM

http://trineholdings.com

http://item.slide.com/r/1/39/i/pqwIamC32D8TFQW-yT7ao2Bxi8rqWPKV/

http://www.trineholdings.com/villasvideo.html

Haritha Homes - Maple Heights @ Thellakom
http://item.slide.com/r/1/203/i/yqdC7VwO0z8W99JfxbrtnNWdKWy2zWiY/

http://harithahomeskerala.com

Kalyan silks to open showroom in Kottayam

Our new outlets are ably supported by our wholesale division – Kalyan Collections – the biggest wholesale division in South India.Kalyan Silks is planning to start new outlets in Kannur, Kottayam, Trivandrum and the Middle East.

http://www.kalyansilks.com/php/viewContent.php?id=8

sakrishna

April 1st, 2010, 04:28 PM

Yesterday afternoon..i was at MG USITY, then came to KSRTC to take bus to thrissur on my way to calicut..

And Kalyan jwellers people came and asked me why i have taken photos, may be thought that i am a terrorist...:lol: do i look like one??:nuts:

:lol:. And what reply you gave and how did you manage finally?

sakrishna

April 1st, 2010, 05:28 PM

http://chandyshomes.com

http://item.slide.com/r/1/82/i/YczpNR8n4z8yj7_Y6vzjvQkAnODJmKB3/

sanjupalayat

April 1st, 2010, 07:55 PM

:lol:. And what reply you gave and how did you manage finally?

Somehow, i did managed it krishna....thats y i am still there....:lol: well, this is not my first experience..PM your mobile number....

sakrishna

April 3rd, 2010, 07:13 AM

The foundation stone for K.R. Narayanan film instute under Centre for Continuing Education was laid in January 2006, when UDF was in power and Oommen Chandy was the CM. Few months lter,LDF came to the power. Now that in 4 years have passed by since the foundation stone laying ceremnoy there's been not much/not any progress since then. The institute is yet to see the light of the day.
While another institute under Centre for Continuing education, which was initated by this LDF Govt. is going to be opened next week in a LDF dominated place, why Govt. is turning a blind eye to this project?

It is crystal clear that LDF has neglected this project only because it was initated by the UDF and that too, the place of the project falls under Oommen Chandy's constituency.

This is not a lone case:. Other projects which would have changed the face of Kottayam but got discarded/ are facing negligience by this Govt. are:

1) Meenachil River Valley Project (initiated by UDF)
2) Kottayam airport
3) Private IT park by World Malayali Council
4) Travancore cements Renovation
5) Partnership Kottayam Project (mooted by V.N.Vasavan MLA)
6) IT park in Kuravilangadu (No district level IT park in the 1st phase.)
7) Inland waterways development project (Kottayam-Vaikom, Kottayam-Alappuzha, Alappuzha Changanacherry) (inititated by UDF)
8) TECIL renovation / new project in TECIL land
9) Indoor stadium (Kottayam is a city as important as Kannur, Kollam and Trichur. Still, Kottayam was not included in National games 2011.)

............. etc.

The list is endless.

Please go through this:

KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts

The Government of Kerala proposes to set up an institute of visual science and arts at Kottayam in the name of the late K R Narayanan, former President of India, under the aegis of Centre for Continuing Education Kerala (CCEK). The institute is proposed to be named as “K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts”,
The establishment of a film institute will only be the fulfillment of the long-felt need of the people of Kerala. At present there is no film institute under the State Government. The Governments of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Orissa have set up film institutes at Adayar, Pune, Kolkata and Cuttack respectively. These institutes have already made their mark in the film world. Barring the Pune Film Institute, all other institutes are purely commercial ventures. Even the Pune Institute has not been equipped to do research, and consequently those who want to pursue higher studies invariably go abroad. This causes a drain on the country’s Foreign Exchange reserve. It is high time the state of Kerala also had one such establishment.
Accordingly, the state government thought of setting up a film institute, considering the immense employability chances available in the field.
Hence, if an institute of international standard like the London Film Institute is set up in Kerala, it will be of great use and help to the youngsters of our country who aspire for a career in the visual media, as they could get professional training in a field that is ever expanding, thereby enhancing their chances of employment. With the rapid development of technology, the film field also has to be attuned to the changes. Hence there is also scope of re-training to the existing personnel, in addition to the aspirants, to the field. Other than the regular programmes, the institute proposes to offer postgraduate courses and also Ph D. Programmes.
The Government of Kerala has identified an ideal locale for the institute: it is a picturesque spot 30 km away from the town of Kottayam. A few acres of vacant land there can be utilised for the purpose without having to evict anybody. The establishment will also boost the development of the place—Akalakkunnam, since the place will no longer be a sleepy, obscure village in Kerala once the institute is established there. The over-all beauty and charm of the place will not be affected by the construction of a few Kerala style buildings. Filmy-folks, generally taken to be lovers of Nature, will not indulge in any activity that will spoil the breath-taking beauty of this sleepy countryside.
The foundation stone for the Institute was laid on January 6, 2006, by the Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri. Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.
The establishment activities of the Institute are in progress.
Key factors
The KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science & Arts is an innovative venture in professional film training for a new generation of filmmakers. It will breathe fresh air into film education and training in INDIA. The Institute prides itself on being able to offer:
• A high standard of professional film and video production and postproduction
facilities.
• An impressive team of freelance tutors–all of whom are practicing professionals
in the film and TV industry .
• A newly-converted building in the institute with studio, lecture room, screening
theatre and editing suites.
• As a non-profit making organization we are under no financial pressure to meet
profit margins. Our entrance criteria are based on merit and not on ability to
pay. All students must meet our basic selection requirements and demonstrate a
proven enthusiasm and commitment to filmmaking.
• The Institute is dedicated to providing a high standard of affordable film
education and is fully committed to equal opportunities. For this reason, the
course fee will be kept as low as is feasible, without compromising the quality of
the training.
• The selection criteria for the Courses will be based on written and visual
submissions and an interview with the Institute tutors. The Institute encourages
an intake with a balanced cultural diversity. Foreign students can be attracted
to our institute–it can then earn much foreign exchange.
• Job opportunities all over the world can be opened to our youth.
• Tailor–made courses can be conducted for training the already working
untrained people in the visual medium like TV- channels, etc. The present 20%
trained people in the visual medium can be increased to 100%.
• Films and TV programmes in English and other languages increase foreign
market.
• Opportunities for advanced studies like postgraduate courses, Ph D etc.

Courses proposed Phase I
• Video Production and Programme Designing
• Script Writing and Direction
• Videography and Digital Still Photography
• Linear and Non-linear Editing & Sound Recording
• Diploma in Filmmaking ( One Year)
• Introduction to Filmmaking Certificate (one month full time or nine weeks part
time)
• Language of Film Certificate (one month)
• Tailor-made courses for the beginners and for those who are already working in
the field without training
• Visual languages and communication
• Technical language for film and TV writing and directing
• Professional language of cinematography, videography, editing and recording.
• Editing and recording
• Production Orientation
• Airbrush Media Makeup,
• Editing on AVID DV Xpress,
• Film Research,
• Short Film Production,
• Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling for Features,
• Introduction to Film Lighting and
• Composing Music for Film.
Phase II
• Introduction of postgraduate courses
• Film Direction & Screen play writing
• Screen play writing and film aesthetics
• 3D- Animation and advanced creative process
• Video Production and Mass media management.
• Sound Recording and Sound Engineering
• Acting / Dubbing and anchoring, News reading etc.
• Master classes like Director vs. Crew
In addition, the Institute will run a series of events open to the public, featuring Indian directing talent, as well as sessions with key practitioners in cinematography, screenwriting, editing and production.
Phase III
International Research Centre for Cinema and Television meant for Ph D. in Screen play writing and Film Aesthetics
Graphic Designing and Animation for audio -visual medium

http://www.ccek.org/html/krnnivs.htm

sakrishna

April 3rd, 2010, 07:36 AM

http://item.slide.com/r/1/131/i/_ovIGDzM6T9jhw4r-kXMozPOckAicSQl/

http://mmparchitecturals.com

sakrishna

April 3rd, 2010, 08:05 AM

Source: Kottayam Vartha (http://kottayamvartha.com/ver02/FullStory/?NewsID=41201072841PM25076&Sid=10&Opps=1&Cnt=25257)

http://item.slide.com/r/1/92/i/MrHpMqi16j-wpVjcQaS8jyhO4MGV0C79/

sakrishna

April 3rd, 2010, 10:34 AM

http://item.slide.com/r/1/230/i/2aPy11qv5D8R-0ZTsylYS1O_-HTIbWvJ/

http://neelettu.com

thanseem

April 4th, 2010, 02:41 PM

sai..dont know y all these projects are coming up in Kalathipadi and vadavathoor only..that area is a bit polluted with the dumping yard and MRF factory..right?

sakrishna

April 8th, 2010, 10:19 AM

sai..dont know y all these projects are coming up in Kalathipadi and vadavathoor only..that area is a bit polluted with the dumping yard and MRF factory..right?

yes, what you said is right. But most of these projects are coming up on the other side of KK road, away from the MRF factory. ABout the dumping yard, I've no idea of its exact location.

But there are more advantages compared to these two disadvatages- The Kalathipady- Vadavathoor belt hosts a number of good CBSE, state and ICSE schools along with kanjikkuzhy - Girideepam, Marian, KV, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, 7th day adventist, Mt. Carmel, Pallikkoodam (run by mary Roy) etc.
Thats' why there are some apartments in this area named after some of the famous educational institutions in the world - Skyline hartford and Stanford, Skyline Oxford, Wexco Harward heights etc.

These places being hilly, have lot of greenery all around. Also, these places are away from the busy CBD of Kottayam Town, yet so close.
Railway station is located mere 3-5 Kms away. That's why builders choose these places first when it comes to selecting the locations for their residential projects.

Whatever be the case, Vadavthoor continues to be a head-ache for the municipality.

See the following News that came in Manorama - I don't like to translate this:

http://item.slide.com/r/1/283/i/gJpe855w1j_we8fd_92Kp8Hf_aB5Lrno/

thanseem

April 9th, 2010, 04:01 AM

yes, what you said is right. But most of these projects are coming up on the other side of KK road, away from the MRF factory. ABout the dumping yard, I'mve no idea about of its exact location.

But there are more advantages compared to these two disadvatages- The Kalathipady- Vadavathoor belt hosts a number of good CBSE, state and ICSE scholls along with kanjikkuzhy - Girideepam, Marian, KV, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, 7th day adventist, mt. Carmel, Pallikkoodam (run by mary Roy) etc.
Thats' why we've few apartments in this area named after some of the famous educational institutions in the world - Skyline hartford and Stanford, Skyline Oxford, Wexco Harward heights etc.

These places being hilly, have lot of greenery all around. Also, these places are away from the busy CBD of Kottayam Town, yet so close.
Railway station is located mere 3-5 Kms away. That's why builders choose these places first when it comes to the selecting the locations for their residential projects.

Whatever be the case, Vadavthoor continues to be a head-ache for the municipality.

See the following News that came in Manorama - I don't like to translate this:

http://item.slide.com/r/1/283/i/gJpe855w1j_we8fd_92Kp8Hf_aB5Lrno/

sai..the dumping yard is located some 1 KM from kalathipady jn to vadavathoor jn on the left side of the rd on a small hillock..this problem is only going to get worsened in coming years!

the bypass rd from manarkadu to ettumanoor will be a nice location for apartemnt projects, wen the road get completed..very greenish with many paddy fields and waterbodies in this stretch, so water availabilty wont be a problem.

sakrishna

April 9th, 2010, 11:25 AM

sai..the dumping yard is located some 1 KM from kalathipady jn to vadavathoor jn on the left side of the rd on a small hillock..this problem is only going to get worsened in coming years!

the bypass rd from manarkadu to ettumanoor will be a nice location for apartemnt projects, wen the road get completed..very greenish with many paddy fields and waterbodies in this stretch, so water availabilty wont be a problem.

Thanks for the info. Hope to see the work on Pattithanam-Ettumanoor-Manarkad by-pass and Chingavanam-Kanjikkuzhi by-pass get completed soon.

Hope they won't be name sake by-passes. They should be built with paved walkways, lamp poles, proper dividers etc.

Dear Thanseem, if possible, could you post some pics of the work on the by-pass ?

sakrishna

April 9th, 2010, 12:37 PM

Kollad-Parakkal Kadavu - Puthupally

This place is called Parakkal Kadavu- The place is one of the favourite haunts of wedding photographers .

There are tree houses, pedal boats etc. in this spot.

What make this place even more attractive are the nearby paddy fields, the branches of gently flowing Kodoor river, green hills, lines of Acacia trees on both sides of the road passing through this place etc. (Sadly, few trees got uprooted by yesterday's strong wind).

Morover, there's a horse named Rani, which adds to the attraction.

ParakkalKadavu (about 7 kms from Kottayam)

Pic (c) Sreejith
http://item.slide.com/r/1/17/i/rDyLb1v5zT98fnphI8jvoTkaeKgG-r6e/

Pic (c) Jogesh S

http://item.slide.com/r/1/24/i/2JYrRpFM1T-0XxJDTFUkJbKP6jRbM9cY/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/39/i/c_UjgnSD7z_0ekBw6XyBsJPpyslNhJvw/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/257/i/0_94U7ie6D9dsba-2ZKWaqpF-jBFXKg7/

sakrishna

April 9th, 2010, 12:41 PM

sakrishna

April 9th, 2010, 04:27 PM

The busy and Chaotic CBD of Kottayam - Thirunakkara

Pic (c) sabu-mampallil-kottayam @ panoramio
http://item.slide.com/r/1/269/i/41zFy5ZS5T9eCBXFy1MGGnrqxPY5qIcy/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/31/i/7-4eeAlK7T-r81VS3ViDINhF9tahkPwJ/

sakrishna

April 10th, 2010, 03:35 PM

Source: Manoramaonline
http://item.slide.com/r/1/96/i/bKOgGTklwT9u1VLkXLQmMDCUFBwF8MEF/

Vallathum Nadukkumo?

sakrishna

April 10th, 2010, 03:45 PM

Source: Manoramaonline

http://item.slide.com/r/1/272/i/2K7xEx2I5j_9RszcKS8mB3652dk1KCPe/

*Banks of Meenachil river at Thazhthangadi, from Alumoodu Junction to Illickal bridge to be beautified and protected, alongside the Kottayam-Kumarakom road, totalling 700 mts

*The project also envisages the construction of a walkway, paving the walkway with tiles, construction of a gallery, installation of lamp posts, construction of a boat jetty etc.

Once ready, this walkway will provide ideal facility for morning and evening walkers of the town. :banana:

*Total outlay on the project is Rs. 3.31 crores. (This is in addition to Rs.19 crores Kottayam-Kumarakom road development.)

Reghu

April 10th, 2010, 08:16 PM

just 5 Kms from Kottayam Town centre

Pics (c) Joshy Issac
http://item.slide.com/r/1/160/i/Mk5q1WCB4j-ZA8fnX3ae4XajiS64tkj8/
http://item.slide.com/r/1/264/i/3FrH2RshwT_hsWsQrP2z3K2fWX4LcEh4/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/112/i/CFHXpKB2uT8Joaeu922UpTNMuSrBb2Sx/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/72/i/cHFxyxMh1D_jrwiy3MrCsqlnNe-cyJhD/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/99/i/VTynCR8R4T--in2AVxatKyJ1lb1L_uoE/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/13/i/tE1QKzmj0j_eUq9GvroVYxvO549muPxu/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/18/i/QqtG45NI4z9GJb8SM3QbwXthvAhvBHB3/

Simply great pics. Just cannot imajine that such beutiful paddy fields exists near to Kottayam city. They should preserve some of these paddy fields irrespective of the city expansion towards the suburbs.

Kollam city suburb paddy fields have dwindled considerably due to land recalmation and these scenes are rare within our city vicinity and the suburbs.

calicutjada

April 12th, 2010, 04:12 PM

SaKrishna,

Great photos dude. You are a star!! :)

linu

April 14th, 2010, 10:50 AM

Josco's gold-diamond wonder started at Kottayam at 15000 sq.ft. area

source:http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/14/stories/2010041450640200.htm

sakrishna

April 14th, 2010, 11:08 AM

SaKrishna,

Great photos dude. You are a star!! :)

Thanks mate.
I Also, thank my fellow forumers Linu, ttand3t, Kiru_pta, Jayesh Krishna, Thanseem and nithin_splash for their support.

linu

April 14th, 2010, 02:29 PM

thanks Krisha.....:):):)

Report : MSI Inaugurates Exclusive Showroom in Kottayam

http://www.thenewsxpress.com/news/index/title/msi-inaugurates-exclusive-showroom-in-kottayam/499

sakrishna

April 14th, 2010, 06:50 PM

Josco's gold-diamond wonder started at Kottayam at 15000 sq.ft. area

source:http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/14/stories/2010041450640200.htm

You know something. There's a talk among the people of Kottayam that Rajiv Gandhi Municpal Complex, where the JOSCO jewellery complex stands now, was planned to include car parking facility.

Also, the nearby Thirunakkara Municipal Maidan, whose renovation originally envisaged an underground car parking facility also, didn't happen as originally planned. But the Kottayam based JOSCO group feared the shoppers would park their vehicles here and would go to Bhima or other nearby Jewellery leading to the loss of customers for them. So, they influenced the municipal authorities from going ahead with the original plan and the project ended up with mere beautification.

Now all the people of Kottayam are aware of the the sad-condition of the historic Thirunakkara Maidan. Tiles have got broken here and there due to the indiscriminate no: of vehicles being parked ther daily. The walls of the Maidan bears posters of almost all Political parties and various other organizations .

During the inauguration ceremony, honourable MLA of Kottayam, Shri V.N.Vasavan had pointed out this matter in the presence of minsiter Kodiyeri Balakrishnan about the poor quality and finish invloved in the renovation.

Why people are becoming selfish like this?

sakrishna

April 14th, 2010, 07:35 PM

Mikka Kerala Forumersum Ennekkal Muthirnavarakeyal, enikku Kai Neetam Tharan Marakkaruthennu Apekshikkunnu. :happy:

Happy Vishu to all Kerala Forumers.

sakrishna

April 15th, 2010, 04:39 AM

Pic (c)Kan Pil @ ibibo

http://item.slide.com/r/1/110/i/WLg8RMaOuT-hkKst1QAj3a7idYUD6unU/

thanseem

April 15th, 2010, 07:39 AM

You know something. There's a talk among the people of Kottayam that Rajiv Gandhi Municpal Complex, where the JOSCO jewellery complex stands now, was planned to include car parking facility.

Also, the nearby Thirunakkara Municipal Maidan, whose renovation originally envisaged an underground car parking facility also, didn't happen as originally planned. But the Kottayam based JOSCO group feared the shoppers would park their vehicles here and would go to Bhima or other nearby Jewellery leading to the loss of customers for them. So, they influenced the municipal authorities from going ahead with the original plan and the project ended up with mere beautification.

Now all the people of Kottayam are aware of the the sad-condition of the historic Thirunakkara Maidan. Tiles have got broken here and there due to the indiscriminate no: of vehicles being parked ther daily. The walls of the Maidan bears posters of almost all Political parties and various other organizations .

During the inauguration ceremony, honourable MLA of Kottayam, Shri V.N.Vasavan had pointed out this matter in the presence of minsiter Kodiyeri Balakrishnan about the poor quality and finish invloved in the renovation.

Why people are becoming selfish like this?

The original plan of Rajiv Gandhi shopping complex was for a 10+ storied building. But now Josco is managing it like their sole property! all the municipal councilors, both ruling and opposition support Josco!

thanseem

April 15th, 2010, 07:43 AM

First apartment project between caritas jn and Ettumanoor central on MC road side is on its way !

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3456/haritha20homes20apartme.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3733/locationbigj.jpg

sakrishna

April 15th, 2010, 07:51 AM

The original plan of Rajiv Gandhi shopping complex was for a 10+ storied building. But now Josco is managing it like their sole property! all the municipal councilors, both ruling and opposition support Josco!

Dear Thanseem, could you provide more details regarding this?

Also, what's the status of the hotel project at Thellakom?

thanseem

April 15th, 2010, 08:21 AM

Dear Thanseem, could you provide more details regarding this?

Also, what's the status of the hotel project at Thellakom?

this s only wat i know mate..infact everyone in the town knows..

which is the hotel project coming up in thellakom? i dont have any idea..a three star hotel cum bar is nearing completion in ETR town near the Vaikom rd bus stop.

sakrishna

April 15th, 2010, 03:04 PM

this s only wat i know mate..infact everyone in the town knows..

which is the hotel project coming up in thellakom? i dont have any idea..a three star hotel cum bar is nearing completion in ETR town near the Vaikom rd bus stop.

Great. Any photos of the hotel available? What about the other hotel project @ Pala road?

sakrishna

April 15th, 2010, 04:23 PM

After Kalyan Jewellers, Kalyan Silks also have found space in T.B.Road.
The work has already started. It will be coming up near Kalyan jewellers showroom.
:)

Reghu

April 15th, 2010, 07:43 PM

After Kalyan Jewellers, Kalyan Silks also have found space on T.B.Road.
The work has already started. It will be coming up adjacent to Kalyan jewellers.
:)

I think Kottayam will outsmart any other city to become the shopping destination in Kerala shortly if the trend goes like this.
^^

sakrishna

April 16th, 2010, 05:49 PM

I think Kottayam will outsmart any other city to become the shopping destination in Kerala shortly if the trend goes like this.
^^

ha ha. If not of the whole state ( which is impossible ), Kottayam will continue to be the shopping hub of Central Travancore because private firms are well aware of the potential of Kottayam. Sadly, few other people undermine Kottayam's potential because Kottayam is still a 'municipality'. :lol:

Our Govt. is purposefully trying to destroy the importance Kottayam has got.

Anyway, I don't want Kottayam district to be a mere shopping destination.

There should be development in diverse areas like - IT, BT, nanotechnology - research and development, Agro, rubber and spices based industries, inland water transport, as a higher education destination etc.

Kottayam is not suitable to establish polluting heavy industrues and other manufacturing industries.

The first and foremost thing to be done is to establish a full fledged airport

Kottayam deserves to have Kerala's 5th airport by all means, for the overall benefit of the whole central Travancore region.

Anyway, I'm damn sure Kottayam airport project will never happen at all.

Sorry, No offence meant to anyone.

jayesh krishna

April 22nd, 2010, 05:17 PM

sai,u have any idea about next panchayat election?what about the two panchayat adding with kottayam muncipality?it is still in paper?

sakrishna

April 22nd, 2010, 05:20 PM

sai,u have any idea about next panchayat election?what about the two panchayat adding with kottayam muncipality?it is still in paper?

The declaration regarding the merger will be made soon.

The merger of these two Panchayaths is the only 'development' in Kottayam that is initiated by this Govt. :lol: :bash:

sakrishna

April 25th, 2010, 08:29 AM

Today's Manorama contains an article regarding Kottayam's development in the retail and residential sector:

Kalyan silks showroom will be a 9 storeyed one with 70,000 sq.ft of retail space.
Chennai silks have plans to launch their showroom in Kottayam - may be their biggest showroom in Kerala. It'll be coming up at CMS college juntion (@ Kumarakom road).
Mini Muthoot will soon start the construction of their Mall project, near TB. The mall will also house multiplex.(this is apart from their upcoming Theatre complex at Vayaskara).
Relaince too has found space for their outlet. It's mentioned it'll be a mall project. (Not sure it'll be a mall or a mere outlet).
Varkey's retail also set to enter Kottayam.
two new luxury hotel projects are also coming up - @ Kanjikkuzhi and Chembarathimoodu (Nagampadom).
Around 10 builders are awaiting clearance to launch their residential projects in Kottayam - entailing an investment worth 1500-2000 crores.
The reason cited is the PP of Kottayamites is even comparable to that of some of the metros.

The number of people (from 15.55 sq Km Kottayam municipal area alone) staying in other parts of India and abroad are as follows ( the figure is 5 years old. The present figures will be atleat 5 times the old figure).

Europe- 1000
US - 950
Africa-260
Australia - 300
Gulf - 4500
Other countries - 800
Indian metro cities - 8200

Think of the numbers if we also include the no: of people from other parts of the district and in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki.
staying abroad and other parts of the country.

To those who think that if an airport comes up in Kottayam, it won't have sufficient air traffic to operate profitably - Any answer now????

linu

April 27th, 2010, 08:55 AM

link for the above post

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/source/svww_zoomart.php?Artname=20100425AE004101025&ileft=229&itop=333&zoomRatio=130&AN=20100425AE004101025

vinod_2007

April 27th, 2010, 09:05 AM

jayesh krishna

April 27th, 2010, 03:10 PM

great news!!! let kottayam grew like a metro city.:cheers:

thanseem

April 28th, 2010, 04:46 AM

After decades of hibernation the "tta vattam kottayam" is out to a burst!!!

sakrishna

April 30th, 2010, 06:30 PM

After decades of hibernation the "tta vattam kottayam" is out to a burst!!!

unlike most of the other districts, the growth of Kottayam in the retail-residential sectors has not been based on any developmental projects - Kottayam has no IT parks, industrial parks, airport/proximity to airport, no new PSUs or revival of existing PSUs, not many major PSUs, no central Govt. institutions, no Govt. support etc.
Kottayam has no such advantages as of now. Still Kottayam has been able to witness considerable development in the retail and residential sector.This shows the demand in these sectors is genuine.

This is not the case with most of the other districts in the state.

Proud to be a Kottayamite.:cheers:

sakrishna

May 8th, 2010, 07:23 AM

Pic (c) myself

http://item.slide.com/r/1/246/i/KI1t7L191j_wjuHIJpyasQnCJugvHncr/

sakrishna

May 9th, 2010, 07:26 AM

They've named their project 'Kumarakom Wetlands' and it seems they've have made some changes from the original plan.

http://item.slide.com/r/1/127/i/3j-1Ge0l7z8CvPaqt1Ghg2vLIzWLQKAZ/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/97/i/2_cfssI97z-F2HXx-JmcG04wb1YWyZSH/

Overview

You haven’t missed much if you’ve never been to Acapulco or Monaco. Except, of course, the jet lag, travel time and big expenses!

Rakindo, India's truly world class+ master planners, developers and lifestylists is launching Kumarakom Wetlands, a backwater resort that’s set to change the face of Kumarakom, one of the Top 10 tourist destinations in the world. Rakindo will take the famous backwaters, lagoons and canals of Kumarakom, 15 km west of Kottayam in Kerala and, abracadabra, turn it into a world class+ tourist and holiday destination that offers leisure, recreation and relaxation comparable to or even better than the best in the world. Just one example of that: You could sail in from the Arabian Sea and moor your yacht right in your backyard! Exotic? Romantic? Take your pick.
Fun, Leisure, Relaxation And Business Options
That Read Like A Menu Card

What exactly do you have in mind for that long pending personal break? Or for the upcoming family holiday? Or when you want to recharge or reward the staff? Be assured, there’s so much to pick from you won’t know where to start.
Adventure

Backwater Cruises. How does a canoe, boat or houseboat cruise on the largest backwater lake in India sound?
Mangrove & Nature Trails. Exotic flora, fauna, wetlands and…they’re better in real life than on Discovery Channel. So step out of the living room and experience things live
Bird Sanctuary & Nature Park. A lot of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, teal and the heron come visiting here from as far away as the Himalayas and Siberia. And they do it on their own steam. You’ve got planes, trains, cars, even boats, to get down here easy
Leisure

Golf Course & Academy. A championship golf course where you can go swing it like the pros
Golf Club House
Entertainment

Children’s Theme Park
Marina / Water Sports & Recreational Center. Water sports, from usual to extreme
Health

Healthcare Centre Spas. A kind of luxury resort devoted to providing a range of soothing holistic Ayurvedic treatments that will have you age backwards
Business

The Ultra Luxury Sail-in Five Star Hotel & Resort. Yes, sail in from the Arabian Sea, dine-in on gourmet food at our sail-in hotel and relax and unwind at our resort by the sea. Our cottages and villas here are up for sale on a whole or time-share basis, so book one before it’s too late
What Else Is Big About The Kumarakom Wetlands?

It’s 415 acres big but with about 85% open space!
So besides the fun, relaxation and revitalizing, there’s an abundance of nature too

It’s a benchmark in conservation
The Kumarakom Wetlands will consist of ecologically sustainable developments. It is designed to strengthen and promote the surrounding bird habitats, wetlands, and fish population, consequently helping preserve the ecology of the area and the livelihood of the local fisherman. It will establish benchmarks in zero pollution, 100% recycling water discharges, carbon sink and negligible carbon footprint.
What’s The Big Deal About Kumarakom?

It’s a World Top 10 tourist destination famous for its backwater, health and wellness tourism. It's close to international airports and accessible by excellent road and railway networks. Oh, and it has got the Kumarakom Wetlands

http://www.rakindo.com/rakindo/kumarakom_overview.aspx
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

My views regarding this are:

First of all, the lake portion shouldn't have been reclaimed for practicing agriculture (Don't know when exactly this portion of the lake was reclaimed).
Even if they are doing it, it should be done in an eco friendly manner, by practicing organic farming - The present method is killing the eco system of the lake, due to the indiscriminate use of chemical ferilizers and pesticides, thus depleting the marine resources forever.
No more portion of the lake shall be reclaimed for any purpose, be it for farming or for tourism or industrial or whatever.
If some farmers are not intersted in farming anymore, concerned authorities should take steps to distribute these lands to those parties who are genuinely intersted in farming.
If that's also not happening, these lands should be evicted and added back to the lake, before land and real estate / resort mafias grab them.
If that's also not happening, allow groups like Rakindo to build such projects, but by making sure that they are doing so by minimizing the impact on the lake and nature, by integrating farming/fishing etc. to the project and by making sure that they add atleast 25% (contiguous) part of the land to the lake. .:ohno: (Even though I'm not adamant for this project, I half-heartedly support this project considering the fact that Govt. is not going to take any action for the economic development of Kottayam)

Aslesh

May 9th, 2010, 08:38 AM

sakrishna

May 9th, 2010, 10:50 AM

Don't expect such huge projects to minimize natural impact. There will be enough impact on the nature. They are talking about mangroves and migratory birds. Those are the things which are going to be affected in the first place. Come on, they are making resort with golf course, star hotel, children park, health spa etc. Just to show that its eco friendly they are using words like mangroves and migratory birds. They want to cash out the remaining mangroves after they construct the resort. Any way lets hope this project will bring in some money and development.

Asleshetta, I whole heartedly agree with you.

here, the farmers who sold their land are to be blamed, partially.

But if we think from their position, what else they would've done with their land? Agriculture has no more become profitable, thanks to the hostile attitude of the left and the Govt. The Govt. did nothing for the welfare of the farmers of Kuttanad and upper Kuttanad.

They are not at all sincere in implementing the Kuttanad package.

I know we should not emulate other countries as such, thinking of development only.

But the farming being practiced is also not in harmony with the nature. The Thanneermukkom bund, the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers etc. are all killing the lake.

Dont' know whom to support?

It all lies in the hands of the environmental ministry now. let them decide about the fate of the project.

sakrishna

May 9th, 2010, 12:41 PM

As per V.N.Vasavan MLA's initiative, INKEL prepared a report for the solution to Kottayam Town's traffic problem. They submitted the report in Dec 2009 but the Govt. is yet to give go ahead for the project, it seems.

As each day passes by, the traffic problem in Kottayam Town is becoming worse. The Govt. is turning a blind eye towards Kottayam's traffic woes.

If all the pojects mentioned in the report happen, it'll surely change the face of Kottayam Town.

It'll be implemented on PPP basis.

This is the summary of the report:

http://item.slide.com/r/1/159/i/ICOofjG8rT9AyPjsYRaq-A8tb-udb54N/
http://item.slide.com/r/1/66/i/YEta80mKoT8uco16SCIC8Oo5jdDw_BM5/

sakrishna

May 11th, 2010, 05:03 AM

Kottayam ranks 47 in-terms of sanitation among the Indian cities

http://item.slide.com/r/1/175/i/9Qnt67Sd7T-Vlk1Jt5ccFSux1kBxG2ad/

*According to a survey conducted by the ministry for urban development, Kottayam is ranked 47 among the 423 Indian cities, considered for the survey

*Kottayam tops the list of Kerala cities
10 cities were choosen from Kerala for the study.

* Kerala cities are way behind other Indian cities - Chandigarh comes 1st and followed by Mysore

Source: Manorama

__________________________________________________________________________________________
Kottayam has managed to be in the top 50 at a time it is plagued with issues such as the Vadavathoor Plant.

'Venamengil Chakka Verilum Kaaykum'. Our aim should be to be in the top 5 within the next 3 years.

sakrishna

May 12th, 2010, 09:48 AM

Pic (c) Aravind Jose T

http://item.slide.com/r/1/47/i/OF6YlyIMwj87VtlZtH_6I_-sYUbw7kgs/

sakrishna

May 14th, 2010, 04:25 PM

Kerala's rubber, cardamom growers on buying spree
INCOME BOUNCE.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/05/14/images/2010051454200101.jpg
The lure of luxury goods is catching up with the nouveau riche in rural Kerala
G. K. Nair
Kochi, May 13
In the sun dappled plantation of rubber trees, the gleam of white is striking. Get a bit closer, you realise that the glint is coming off a large SUV, obviously foreign made.
For the first-time visitor to rural Kerala, the presence of the vehicle and the setting may be surprising. But not for the locals, who have been buying up vehicles on a scale scarcely seen elsewhere in rural India.
Luxury cars of German and Japanese make, SUVs/MUVs, and medium and small-cars of indigenous manufacturers in Kerala's villages and towns seem to be overtaking the vehicle population of many an urban centre, thanks to the zooming natural rubber and cardamom prices. And not just cars, sales of consumer durables, jewellery and gourmet food items are soaring in the rubber/cardamom-growing districts, according to major dealers.

However, Kottayam, the latex district of the country,with most of its land area under natural rubber, topped in sales in all segments followed by Pathanamthitta, Kollam, and Idukki. Of an estimated one million rubber growers in the country, the majority are in these districts.

The average cardamom price has been ruling above Rs 1,000 a kg for the past several months though prices have been remunerative for about three years now, a grower said.. According to a Kottayam-based dealer, the response has been tremendous to a special sales promotion scheme under which “a household with an annual income of Rs 2 lakh is offered a Maruti car through bank finance.” State Bank of India and its subsidiary, State Bank of Travancore, are in the forefront of vehicle financing in this belt. No repayment default has been reported so far, banking sources said.

In 2009-10, car sales in the rubber-cardamom belt rose a whopping 76 per cent over the previous fiscal; the key beneficiary has been Maruti, which drove away with 31 per cent of vehicle sales.
But, those in the lower middle and middle income groups go for cars in the Rs 2-4 lakh price range. They settle for the Alto, the Wagon R, the Chevrolet Spark, the Hyundai i10.
The upper middle income set plumps for the A Star, the Esteem, the Swift, the SX 4, the DZire, the Aveo, the Fiat Punto, the Ford or the Xylo.

A major dealer told Business Line that most cardamom growers preferred SUVs considering the hilly terrain they operate in.
Also, upper and high income groups own more than one vehicle, the second usually being a luxury car or an SUV. About 50-60 Hondas and 40-50 Toyotas are sold a year in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts. According to a major Kottayam dealer, Benz and BMWs also find buyers here.

Rubber incomes
The income from natural rubber, which is hovering around Rs 150 a kg, is significantly high. According to official sources, from 15 trees one can get one kg of sheet rubber, though growers put the number varyingly at 20-30 trees.
Usually, 200 trees are planted on an acre and tapping starts from the seventh year of planting. The daily rubber output from one acre is 7-10 kg, a grower estimates. Tappers are paid 75 paise a tree and one person can easily tap up to 600 trees daily. The prosperity of the tappers is evident from the fact that many arrive at plantations by two-wheelers early in the morning, work till noon and go away.
“For the last two years, rubber cultivation has become profitable. Last year, despite the recession, prices went up,” Mr J.K. Thomas, Managing Director, Malankara Plantations, told Business Line. Compared to three years ago, rubber prices are up 150-200 per cent.
They were hovering around Rs 100 in 2007 and are now above Rs 150, he said. Going by the kind of income rubber growers are getting now, there is certainly a change in their lifestyle. It is evident from the sale of cars in Kottayam. Until a few months ago, if you booked a car, you could take delivery the next day. But now, you have to wait for one-two months,” said Mr Thomas, a former President of United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI).
Besides cars, sales of consumer durables too have gone up by 35-50 per cent, Mr Sathya Chandran Nair, a major dealer told Business Line. Attributing this growth to high prices for natural rubber, he said sales of air-conditioners had increased substantially. Home UPS/inverters are flying off shelves to beat the power outages. Sales of small home gensets have also gone up.
Mushrooming of mega jewellery shops in the major rubber growing districts is also an indication of increased disposable income among the people. As an icing on the cake come the remittances from those working in other States or abroad.

The Hindu Businessline (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/05/14/stories/2010051454200100.htm)

^^ Abadhamayo? Ee Panakkarude Pavappetta 'forward' districtine in oru vikasana padhathikkum pariganikkan sadhyathayilla.

Ini 'Indhanam' ishtam pole Kathichu namukka Kochi/Trivandrum airportilekku SUViyil parakkam - ishtam pole 'Cashundallo'.:bash:

India101

May 15th, 2010, 01:48 PM

Do you have a link to the Kumarakom Wetlands vid?

sakrishna

May 15th, 2010, 02:21 PM

Do you have a link to the Kumarakom Wetlands vid?

That video can't be played . They say it's a private video.

sakrishna

May 15th, 2010, 02:25 PM

Just thought of comparing the two plans of Rakindo's project:
The original plan envisaged more area of the land get added to the lake:

original plan
http://item.slide.com/r/1/19/i/J4CVwTqT5T_Xrpi6R8kH3ShaUERV1viR/

Latest plan
http://item.slide.com/r/1/178/i/zD9Q9AFC0D8GCIgjbI62JXbIGsUCSqLa/

India101

May 16th, 2010, 12:43 PM

There is not much of a lake left....

sakrishna

May 16th, 2010, 12:52 PM

There is not much of a lake left....

you mean, in the project?

India101

May 16th, 2010, 02:26 PM

Yeah

I meant the reduced the amount lakes alot. Before it made up about 1/3.

sakrishna

May 16th, 2010, 02:49 PM

Yeah

I meant the reduced the amount lakes alot. Before it made up about 1/3.

Yes India101. you are right. Don't know what these greedy people are gonna do?

And I won't be sad even if this project doesn't take off.
If we keep building projects after projects on agricultural lands, from where will we get rice to eat?

Aslesh

May 16th, 2010, 03:06 PM

If we keep building projects after projects on agricultural lands, from where will we get rice to eat?

From andhra pradesh and tamil nadu. :D

sakrishna

May 18th, 2010, 01:11 PM

Both designs are excellent. Calicutians are lucky to have these wonderful structures right on the NH-bypass. Kannur cyberpark is coming in a remote "kugramam". :bash:

See infopark thrissur... We need more land to increase the capacity.. So These are just to keep people's mouth shut with less investment and more of boasting ...
NO Planing... and no media will ask WHY ?

I really eager to ask these question in public... Hope i'll get a chance open up my mind...

Atleast, IT parks in Kannur and Thrissur are assured cases.

What about Kottayam (OOmmechan's district )? It's in the same league as that of Kannur (Kodiyeri's, Sreemathi's and Pinarayi's district), Kollam (MA baby, Gurudasan, Premachandran's district) Alappuzha, Trichur (K.P.Rajendran's district), and Palakkad.

Out of these, in Palakkad (having CM's constituency), some 100+ acres of land have already been leased to private firms to establish IT parks. In rest of the 4 districts, Govt. IT parks are coming up.

Even Kasaragod, whose district HQ falls in the category of lower tier of cities, has been sanctioned IT park. This is besides having sanctioned various other major projects to boost its economy. ('backward' Malabar district )

Our neighbouring district, Alappuzha (CM's , Issac's and Sudhakaran's district) too has been given 2 IT parks when Kottayam is yet to have an IT park.

All These cases are like an insult to Kottayam.

We thought we'd get an IT park atleast in the 2nd phase but Govt. is not talking about 2nd phase plans anymore. There's no news regarding finding a suitable land for the IT park. It's like a closed chapter for Kottayam. Not even Technolodges (which few other district where IT parks have been sanctioned got, that too more than one).

Around 1.5 years back, WMC had announced that they'd set up 2 IT parks in Kottayam district entailing Rs. 2000 crores investment. They already submitted the project proposal to the CM few months back. Don't know what's forcing the buffoon to delay the decision-making process regarding the project.

We are forced to continue our dependance on Rubber, printing and publishing, agriculture and tourism at Kumarakom.:bash:

sakrishna

May 20th, 2010, 09:23 AM

Quoting from Kollam thread.

KOLLAM: Bharatheepuram Sasi, Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) leader

and

former chairman of the public sector Oil Palm India Limited (OPIL), has registered his protest against the decision

to construct the headquarters for OPIL in Kottayam.

In a statement here on Wednesday, Mr. Sasi said that Kottayam was too far from where the OPIL estates and

factories were located in Kollam. The foundation stone for the headquarters will be laid in Kottayam on May 24.

Mr. Sasi, who is also president of pro-INTUC workers' and staff unions in OPIL, said his unions would boycott the

stone-laying function. The INTUC will organise a mass movement against the move. He alleged that the Communist Party

of India had vested interests in the decision. Over 10,000 acres of OPIL's estates are in the eastern sectors of

Kollam district. The majority of the workers and staff want the headquarters either at Punalur or in Kollam

city.

I'd like to know wheter Kollam disrict already had all these Oil Plam estates and industries before OPI HQs was

established in Kottayam. If so, Kollam definitely deserves OPI HQs. But the truth is it's only recently that these

OP estates and industries (by OPI) were established in Kollam, i.e after OPI HQs was established in Kottayam.

BTW, OPI is developing such estates in many other places too, including Malappuram district, which is even farther

than Kollam, from Kottayam. But they are not claiming for the HQs.

Also, OPI is devleloping a rice mill at Vechoor in Kottayam district, which is a long cherished dream of people of Vechoor (Pottenne, verum Rice MIll, mattullavare Sambadichu verum Cheelu case, not a major project -
athengilum avide varatte).

This is like 'Picha Chattiyil Kayittu Varal'.

I'd like to meet this person 'Bharatheepuram Sasi' and ask him whether he needs anything else too - How about

'Plantation Corporation' and Rubber board? ;) AFterall, cashew and oil palm also belong to the plantation sector.

( I suspect this Bharatheepuram Sasi has got some vested interests in this. This Oil Palm India is a joint venture

of both Central and State Govts. and not of CPM. It was incorporated in 1977)

(Eventhough Kottayam district produces the maximum amount of natural rubber in the country, we are yet to have a

rubber park. Our Neighbouring districts Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta district already have rubber parks, by KINFRA.

But we didn't make any claim that only we deserve rubber parks or we deserve rubber parks first, becuase it's utter nonsense to make such claims)

(I support Cashew board to be established in Kollam since it has the maximum no: of cashew based Industries.
But It should be noted that it's the Kannur district which produces maximum amount of raw cashews in ths state.)

BTW, this OPI is already functioning from Kottayam. What's going to take place is the foundation laying for new HQs building. So it's not/no more an 'announced/proposed project'.

No offense meant to anyone.

Binoj_viswam

May 20th, 2010, 12:11 PM

vittu kalayada

sakrishna

May 20th, 2010, 12:19 PM

vittu kalayada

How can I? The public will easily get misled by such statements made by people like Sasi.

sakrishna

May 23rd, 2010, 06:23 AM

Oil Palm India to have own headquarters in Kottayam

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPIL moving ahead with expansion plans

To open palm oil production unit in Malabar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOTTAYAM: The work on the own headquarter building for the public sector Oil Palm India Ltd. (OPIL) will commence on Monday.
Addressing press conference here, OPIL chairman V.B. Binu said though the joint venture between the State and Central governments had been making a healthy growth during its 32 year existence, it had been functioning from rented facilities, incurring heavy expenditure on that count.

The proposed facility will have 12,000 sq.ft. in four storeys on the banks of the Kodoor river at Kodimatha on the outskirts of Kottayam town.

The foundation stone for the Rs.2-crore project will be laid by Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran on Monday afternoon.

The chairman said OPIL was moving ahead with its expansion plan and would soon open a palm oil production unit in the Malabar region.
Palm planting drive

The kernal oil unit started recently at Yeroor in Kollam district is functioning in full swing, he said.

In addition, the company also had taken up an intensive oil palm planting drive in the State.

As part of the campaign, over 405 hectares will be brought under oil palm cultivation in Malabar. Cultivation had also been taken up in over 101 hectares on the Kaduthuruthy- Vaikom belt in Kottayam district.

In addition, private parties have already brought nearly 1620 hectares under oil palm cultivation in the State, he said.

Modern rice mill

The company has started work on a modern rice mill at Vechoor, near Vaikom, as part of its diversification programme, Mr. Binu said. The mill will start functioning by early 2011, he added.

Monday's programme will be presided over by Minister for Agriculture Mullakkara Ratnakaran. Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy will deliver the keynote address.

Jose K. Mani, MP, LDF convener Vaikom Viswan, district panchayat president T.N. Rameshan, V.N. Vasavan, MLA, and others will extend felicitation on the occasion.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/23/stories/2010052354860500.htm)

sachinrk

May 23rd, 2010, 02:29 PM

^^ http://expressbuzz.com/states/kerala/move-to-set-up-opil-hq-in-kottayam-resented/175564.html

v-8ras

May 23rd, 2010, 04:24 PM

Few pictures of Kottayam Town while I was there the past week

Thellakom, Near Caritas Hospital
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4746/photo306.jpg

In front of the Univercell Shop, Baker Junction
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/2194/photo305j.jpg

Baker Junction
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3962/photo271u.jpg

An under construction commercial project at Nagampadam, picture posted earlier as well.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6017/photo270.jpg

Near Darsana, Sastri Road
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/728/photo267gy.jpg

Woodland Store, Sastri Road
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4910/photo266z.jpg

Some Upmarket stores I spotted
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3025/photo265r.jpg

Near Seematti Round
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9770/photo264m.jpg

Seematti Round
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/717/photo262kz.jpg

Crowded Josco premises on the eve of Akshaya Trithiya
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5249/photo254g.jpg

Hotel Arcadia from the Rear
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5614/photo252c.jpg

Aida Junction TB Road
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7061/photo250x.jpg

Approaching Aida Junction
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5162/photo248r.jpg

TB Road
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2562/photo247ik.jpg

In Town
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/3883/photo241q.jpg

In Town 2
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/40/photo240mn.jpg

View from the Narmada Showroom, KK Road
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4845/photo239e.jpg

Nagampadam Bus stand
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4034/photo179q.jpg

Another view of the same under construction building
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7148/photo158x.jpg

The Municipal Park
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8375/photo154h.jpg

Sastri Road
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8194/photo143v.jpg

TB Road
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8489/photo129n.jpg

No Dominos yet, but Bhelpuris are here!
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2487/photo128g.jpg

Kalyan Jewellers
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1562/photo127s.jpg

Near the Municipal Office
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7276/photo125p.jpg

Near Baker Junction
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/2816/photo123j.jpg

Baker Junction
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9153/photo121k.jpg

Baker Junction
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/7657/photo120e.jpg

sakrishna

May 24th, 2010, 05:28 AM

^^
Thanks a ton for the pics Rahul Bhai. :banana:

I have a request - it'd be nice if you can limit the number of pics per post as it's taking too much time to load the pics. Thanks :)

Also, Please check your PM. :)

thanseem

May 24th, 2010, 06:46 AM

great snaps rahul bhai..advertsing boards everywhere!

expecting more from u. like to c how ettumanor looks like now!!!

vinod_2007

May 24th, 2010, 08:15 AM

sakrishna

May 24th, 2010, 12:19 PM

^^
Yes. i've resized some of them and posted in 'Kottayam - The land of letters, latex, lakes and Legends' thread.

Rahul Bhai, I've given due credit to you. :)

sakrishna

May 24th, 2010, 12:27 PM

Mario Villas by Chempazha, @ carithas
http://chempazha.com

http://item.slide.com/r/1/220/i/i8JIYv8l4T9A5RVrurQFU_n-KmlE-T3H/

Willow Brook Homes by Ponmankal builders, @ Carithas
http://ponmankalbuilders.com

http://item.slide.com/r/1/244/i/b0TIZkfs5D80TiYik1lpFOuJaZGorHYn/

v-8ras

May 24th, 2010, 06:03 PM

v-8ras

May 24th, 2010, 06:20 PM

VIA: ExpressBuzz (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/rs-157-cr-okayed-for-maintenance-works-of-roads/174409.html)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Public Works Department (PWD) on Monday sanctioned Rs 157.82 crore for the road maintenance works, which has to be completed before the onset of monsoon.
The amount would be used to fill gutters, replace broken slabs and to clean-up canals and drainage as a pre-monsoon drive.
A meeting of executive engineers and superintendenting engineers, convened by PWD Principal Secretary Tom Jose, made a review of the works.
The Kerala Water Authority has failed to address the issue of pipe-bursting and related works that left many roads in a bad state in many districts including Kottayam, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, the meeting felt.
The meeting also decided to bring up the matter before a coordination committee headed by Collectors of the respective districts. It has decided to pressurise the Collectors to call up monthly meetings of the committee.
Though the amount for the maintenance works was to be supplied by the National Highways Authority of India, the State Government has already earmarked Rs 3 crore.
The maintenance works had already begun in most of the districts and would conclude by May last week.
Amount sanctioned for each division are as follows. Thiruvananthapuram(Rs 11.14 cr), Kollam (13.32 cr), Alapuzha (8.92 cr), Pathanamthitta (9.32cr), Kottayam (Rs. 21.11 cr), Idukki (16.10 cr), Muvattupuzha (8.56 cr), Ernakulam (5.31 cr), Trissur (11.22 cr), Palakkad (10.30 cr), Malappuram (11.67 cr), Kozhikode (8.41 cr), Vadakara (0.49cr), Wayanad (4.99 cr), Kannur (11.04cr) and Kasargod (5.95cr)

Anyone notice? Kottayam has been sanctioned the highest amount. Is it because of the pathetic condition of the roads in the district? :ohno:

sakrishna

May 24th, 2010, 07:27 PM

^^

Hi, I'd express my views on your queries by Saturday / Sunday.

scorpiogenius

May 25th, 2010, 09:44 AM

sakrishna

May 25th, 2010, 10:29 AM

^^

Kottayam Cultural Center
Near Collectorate

Architects: ArchitectureRed (http://www.architecturered.com/main.swf)

Thank you so much Anishetta, that's a great find. :bow:

Looks futuristic,
Given the scale of the project, I'm sure, We've one more project which is gonna remain in paper only. :lol:

sakrishna

May 25th, 2010, 06:29 PM

Govt okays three new airports, Greater Noida may be next

Hindustan Times

Setting aside an old rule that barred building an international airport within a 150 km radius of another, the government has okayed the construction of three new airports, civil aviation ministry sources said.
With this decision, the chances of the proposed airport at Greater Noida becoming a reality, despite the fact that it is only 72 kms from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, have brightened.
Dropping the rule, part of the Airport Infrastructure Policy formulated in 1997, the ministry has agreed to the setting up of airports at Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra and Kannur in Kerala — all three of which are within a 150 km radius of existing airports at Panaji, Mumbai and Kozhikode.
"The 150 km-rule is the only reason why the proposal for the Greater Noida airport was held up. There is no other major stumbling block," a civil ministry official said.
"Across the world there are many airports within a 150 km radius of each other," said aviation expert Tulsi Kesharwani. Many important cities including London, Paris and New York, have two airports.
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is already on record disaproving of the rule restricting new airports.

Just though of giving my opinion regarding the news

The proposed Mopa international airport in Goa is about 41 Kms (aerial distance) north of existing Dabolim airport. (66 Kms by road)

The new airport will be built, retaining the existing airport at Dabolim.

The avg. passenger traffic at Dabolim was around 25 lakhs last year (around 5 lakh international and 20 Lakh domestic)

By wooing the foreign tourists visiting other parts our country to our state (and domestic tourists also), we can increase the domestic passenger traffic in the 3 existing airports of Kerala. I think this is the reason for the high domestic traffic at Dabolim airport.

Eppadi?

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is already on record disaproving of the rule restricting new airports.

Praful Patelaya Namaha. So, we can continue our airport dream :)

v-8ras

May 26th, 2010, 07:36 AM

Kottayam Cultural Center
Near Collectorate

Architects: ArchitectureRed (http://www.architecturered.com/main.swf)

http://i47.tinypic.com/263zuh3.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2ihou50.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/29ngnko.jpg

Looks great! But again, will this ever materialize? :ohno: The best option would be to contact the architects of this one! :D

pradeep_ktym

June 1st, 2010, 08:14 AM

You know something. There's a talk among the people of Kottayam that Rajiv Gandhi Municpal Complex, where the JOSCO jewellery complex stands now, was planned to include car parking facility.

Also, the nearby Thirunakkara Municipal Maidan, whose renovation originally envisaged an underground car parking facility also, didn't happen as originally planned. But the Kottayam based JOSCO group feared the shoppers would park their vehicles here and would go to Bhima or other nearby Jewellery leading to the loss of customers for them. So, they influenced the municipal authorities from going ahead with the original plan and the project ended up with mere beautification.

Now all the people of Kottayam are aware of the the sad-condition of the historic Thirunakkara Maidan. Tiles have got broken here and there due to the indiscriminate no: of vehicles being parked ther daily. The walls of the Maidan bears posters of almost all Political parties and various other organizations .

During the inauguration ceremony, honourable MLA of Kottayam, Shri V.N.Vasavan had pointed out this matter in the presence of minsiter Kodiyeri Balakrishnan about the poor quality and finish invloved in the renovation.

Why people are becoming selfish like this?
Its true politicians are the main stumbling block in the progress to the development of kottayam town....Even oomachan who has been elected by the kottayamites many a times do not care....i guess vasavan is a better bet when it comes to development oriented policies....i have not heard much development coming to town from the centre,ie thru MP pressure.......they are interested in strengthening their base support...not interested in developing kottayam....i think we kottayamites should vote for the alternative in the coming elections....Under achieving politicians should be discarded..

vinod_2007

June 1st, 2010, 08:24 AM

@SAkrishna, @vinod_2007 @thanseem Glad you liked the pics.

Joined this forum way back in 2006 but always chose to remain a silent reader and lurker.. thought of breaking my silence finally.

I will take care of the resolutions in my future postings.

BTW, hardcore Kottayamite here. :D Love the place and like Krishna has said on many occasions, I feel hardly anything is done for the development of the town. Its time the educated youth of Kottayam comes forward and does something about it. Merely posting on message boards won't do. :(

Great to see people breaking their silence...

We have to come out of our shell and start speaking for what we dream of our LAND...

Please post and your view about our state/nations development whereever you see...not just kottayam thread..

infact kottayam is also close to my heart as it's my mother's native...

Thanks once again for your great pictures..

sakrishna

June 3rd, 2010, 08:31 AM

Its true politicians are the main stumbling block in the progress to the development of kottayam town....Even oomachan who has been elected by the kottayamites many a times do not care....i guess vasavan is a better bet when it comes to development oriented policies....i have not heard much development coming to town from the centre,ie thru MP pressure.......they are interested in strengthening their base support...not interested in developing kottayam....i think we kottayamites should vote for the alternative in the coming elections....Under achieving politicians should be discarded..

Welcome to SSC Pradeep. Nice to see one more KTM forumer.

BTW, regarding negligence to Kottayam district, all these have been discussed here many a time.

It's a fact that Kottayam has been denied all what it deserves, by this Govt.

Anyway,the only thing we can do is to pray to GOD that LDF doesn't come to power next time.:bash:

I'll give a detailed explanation regarding this shortly.

sachinrk

June 3rd, 2010, 09:16 AM

^^ Looks like some collection of statistics is going on :)

sakrishna

June 3rd, 2010, 09:19 AM

^^ Looks like some collection of statistics is going on :)

Oh yeah.? I don't need to collect anymore information, I've everything in my mind.

(Pinne, do you've any problem with me and Kottayam? Alla, First you posted the news on the OPI even after I clearly mentioned all the facts, Now this one. Entha Maashe prashnam?)

sachinrk

June 3rd, 2010, 09:24 AM

:nuts: You lost me there. Didnt get what you meant... Whats OPI ???

sakrishna

June 3rd, 2010, 09:26 AM

:nuts: You lost me there. Didnt get what you meant... Whats OPI ???

OPI is Oil Palm India.

Okay, So what did you actually mean?

sachinrk

June 3rd, 2010, 09:36 AM

sakrishna

June 3rd, 2010, 09:53 AM

^^ Ohh...ok...OPI news was something I posted because I saw it had not been quoted before. I dont control what appears in the news items . I do not necessarily agree with the views expressed in the news items I quote. reg the specific case of OPI , I do not particularly care if the HQ is in Kollam, Kottayam or Kasargod. No offence meant here, just the plain truth. :)

My comment about "collection of statistics" was because this was the second time you have mentioned you will "get back soon". Again this was not anything offensive, just a tongue-in-cheek comment.

Okay. Sorry for misunderstanding. Really sorry.

What to say, 'When it comes to Kottayam's development, I become emotional and get angry soon, all because of the kerala Govt.'s attitude towards Kottayam'.

Pinne, I'm quite busy these days, regarding my project work at College etc.

I've a lot to write regarding KTM's development and Govt.s negligence.
But don't exacly know how to start off. That's why I thought of replying later. :)

And continue posting... :)

sakrishna

June 3rd, 2010, 02:14 PM

I though they scrapped this cool looking project.

I was wrong. They are going to re-launch it. Yipee!!!

http://item.slide.com/r/1/42/i/v0mMmtma6T9w-fL1bHKk10vBjyFVpw_E/

Watch this cool video of the project.

Y_agjPlbNhs

vinod_2007

June 3rd, 2010, 03:06 PM

Okay. Sorry for misunderstanding. Really sorry.

What to say, 'When it comes to Kottayam's development, I become emotional and get angry soon, all because of the kerala Govt.'s attitude towards Kottayam'.

Pinne, I'm quite busy these days, regarding my project work at College etc.

I've a lot to write regarding KTM's development and Govt.s negligence.
But don't exacly know how to start off. That's why I thought of replying later. :)

And continue posting... :)

:)

Hey Krishna...

Good to see people like you around when it comes to development... I really liked your attitude but keep your cool.... And try to get into it in real time...

Not just kottayam but almost majority districts are suffering so.. Don't make it one sided...

sakrishna

June 3rd, 2010, 03:39 PM

:)

Hey Krishna...

Good to see people like you around when it comes to development... I really liked your attitude but keep your cool.... And try to get into it in real time...

Not just kottayam but almost majority districts are suffering so.. Don't make it one sided...

Under this Govt., Kottayam is the most neglected district. There's no doubt.

I'm not asking for mega projects. let TVM, Kochi and Calicut be the top cities.

But as a district with its HQ being a tier-3 city, Kottayam has been the most neglected, compared to the rest 5 districts (Kollam, Alappuzha, Trichur, Palakkad and Kannur).

They denied Kottayam all those projects that it deserves, including the airport project.

Can you name any development project in Kottayam, initiated by this Govt. in the last 4 years?

They even sabotaged those few projects initiated by the previous UDF Govt.

sakrishna

June 3rd, 2010, 06:12 PM

Aranmula airport to get NOC from state KOCHI: The much-awaited international airport project at Aranmula will take off soon as the state government is expected to give a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project next week.

The promoters of the airport project are learnt to have met Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and have obtained an assurance from him on getting the NOC for the Rs 1,000crore airport project. Highly-placed officials said the files pertaining to the project was expedited after Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and Chennai-based KGS Developers Ltd joined the consortium as major stakeholders.

While Reliance ADAG and KGS Developers have brought 30 percent stake each, the remaining 30 percent, and 10 percent are owned by Aranmula Aviation Ltd and the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA), respectively.

"The promoters have met the Chief Minister and he has assured to take all necessary steps to give the project an NOC by next week," Aranmula Aviation Limited managing director Abhraham Kalamannil told Express. He said the company had acquired 300 acres out of the required 600 acres for the project. "Once we receive the NOC from the state government, we will go ahead with the foundation stone-laying process. The company will expedite all the procedures with the Director-General of Civil Aviation for taking up the construction activities. Once the clearance is received from the DirectorGeneral, the project will be completed within two years," he said and added that the government had asked the promoters to take necessary steps to relocate 66 electric lines passing through the identified location for the airport.

The airport, to be developed in two phases, would have the capacity to handle 1,000 passengers at a time. While the runway length in phase I will be of 1,530 m X 30 m, it will be 2,800m X 45m once the second phase is completed. The airport is expected to cater to the passengers from Alappuzha, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts.

Source (http://expressbuzz.com/states/kerala/aranmula-airport-to-get-noc-from-state/178467.html)

It seems the right time has come for me to quit SSC. :banana:

We are the ultimate loosers and greatest fools.

robin_a_p

June 3rd, 2010, 06:26 PM

It seems the right time has come for me to quit SSC.

1. Ayyo.. pokalle... please
2. Please come back.
3. Welcome back.

All messages in advance.

A personal advice. You are on your final year of Engineering course. time to grow up

Aslesh

June 3rd, 2010, 07:18 PM

^^ Yea true. Aranmula isn't far from Kottayam. See the distance between major airports and respective cities. :)

Kiru_PTA

June 4th, 2010, 05:41 AM

sakrishna

June 4th, 2010, 06:29 AM

^^ Let us discuss this matter after getting NOC from government...

(We have read so many news items like this before. But nothing got materialized. Last week it was the Kanyakumari-Thrissur Express way via Pathanamthitta... Let us wait and see....)

i'll discuss this matter soon, before quitting. I've got some view points on this issue.

After that, I'll quit.:cheers:

dinakar

June 4th, 2010, 06:45 AM

i'll discuss this matter soon, before quitting. I've got some view points on this issue.

After that, I'll quit.:cheers:

Hey sai..
Quiting SSC just because of an airport project is childish.
Yes you have every right to be dissappointed with other developments not happening in kottayam which it deserves.
Atleast stay till the nxt govt (which will be by UDF..by seeing the political history of kerala), may be u will have something to cheer about..

An airport neccessarily wont bring huge development to a particalar area ( see nedumbassery or karipur - they are still not as developed as it should be). they just increases the land price thats it...and will provide enployment for a few..its very less if compared to an industrial area which comes in such a vast land...

I think u have to rethink quiting . you quiting = end of KOTTAYAM thread...

:cheers:

sakrishna

June 4th, 2010, 06:54 AM

Hey sai..
Quiting SSC just because of an airport project is childish.
Yes you have every right to be dissappointed with other developments not happening in kottayam which it deserves.
Atleast stay till the nxt govt (which will be by UDF..by seeing the political history of kerala), may be u will have something to cheer about..

An airport neccessarily wont bring huge development to a particalar area ( see nedumbassery or karipur - they are still not as developed as it should be). they just increases the land price thats it...and will provide enployment for a few..its very less if compared to an industrial area which comes in such a vast land...

I think u have to rethink quiting . you quiting = end of KOTTAYAM thread...

:cheers:

Many thanks for the support my friend. I will explain everything in detail

1. Ayyo.. pokalle... please
2. Please come back.
3. Welcome back.

All messages in advance.

A personal advice. You are on your final year of Engineering course. time to grow up

Thanks Robin chetta for the kind words and advice.

But Regarding quitting, I've almost made my decision.

Aslesh

June 4th, 2010, 07:03 AM

Hey sai..

An airport neccessarily wont bring huge development to a particalar area ( see nedumbassery or karipur - they are still not as developed as it should be). they just increases the land price thats it...and will provide enployment for a few..its very less if compared to an industrial area which comes in such a vast land...

:cheers:

Yes it is Calicut which is getting benefit of the airport not Karippur. Even Karippur is in malappuram district. Similarly it is Kochi and Thrissur which gets benefit of airport and not nedumbassery. With the airport near by more projects will come to the city and the district. Same is going to happen with Kottayam. You can reach the airport from Kottayam much faster than from those metro cities to their respective airports. Ee cherukkante oru karyam. :bash:

pradeep_ktym

June 4th, 2010, 08:25 AM

Yes it is Calicut which is getting benefit of the airport not Karippur. Even Karippur is in malappuram district. Similarly it is Kochi and Thrissur which gets benefit of airport and not nedumbassery. With the airport near by more projects will come to the city and the district. Same is going to happen with Kottayam. You can reach the airport from Kottayam much faster than from those metro cities to their respective airports. Ee cherukkante oru karyam. :bash:

Hey krishna...listen to what aslesh says....what he said is a correct and positive perspective....aranmula airport will only add to kottayam development....towns and cities cannot have airports so close to them....especially in a small densely populated state like kerala...it will hamper their growth due to lack of space...But what you said about LDF govt's attitude towards kottayam is right...they don't see kottayam as a potential votebank...so their indifferent attitude towards kottayam

pradeep_ktym

June 4th, 2010, 08:28 AM

i'll discuss this matter soon, before quitting. I've got some view points on this issue.

After that, I'll quit.:cheers:

Hi krishna u quitting SSC will be like this thread losing its best warrior.....its you who carried it this much....Please don't quit it halfway....And your expressing emotions for kottayam...its a good thing...it rekindled in me a long lost love for kottayam

vinod_2007

June 4th, 2010, 08:35 AM

Many thanks for the support my friend. I will explain everything in detail

Thanks Robin chetta for the kind words and advice.

But Regarding quitting, I've almost made my decision.

Hey...

Wats the point in quit from SSC.. ? This is still a forum... But we all need to work to make it more than a forum.... SSC unity will help.. let the media/state know there are people with healthy discussion around in internet to make there state grow... People like you should be there.... ?

Now Airport is not biggest development as i have already told.. When cochin already had an airport they made a nother one in Cochin... It should have been made in Thrissur... but if you say thrissur beneifit from it.. then kottayam will be benefited.. if it comes around a 50km range....

Moreover since there are not much people from pathanamthitta... we don't here their view regarding the less projects given to them... Government must have thought to give that district some importance other than sabarimala...

But still i'm against more airports in a state like kerala.... It's really funny... 5 airport in a stretch of 600km... :D ... very 100km has an airport :bash: :bash: :bash:

and you people say it a development and not a foolishness

Kiru_PTA

June 4th, 2010, 09:39 AM

i'll discuss this matter soon, before quitting. I've got some view points on this issue.

After that, I'll quit.:cheers:

Krishna,

I am sure that you will have some facts to prove that Kottayam deserve an airport than Pathanamthitta. Kottayam is the most developed town in this region. Considering the importance of Kumarakom and the business activities, I can say that the demand is genuine. I also agree with you that Kottayam is neglected by the Govt for the last couple of years. But you have to agree with me that Kottayam had received many benefits from Govt some time back.

But in the case of Pathanamthitta, even a child can say that it is the most neglected district in Kerala. Kottayam has got something, but we have got nothing. Can you list a single project funded by Government in this district. Please see some facts:

1) We don’t have any type of Govt. colleges (Arts & Science/Engg/Medical).
2) Only 6kms of Railway line.
3) No Medical college.
4) No National Highway. (This district sees heavy traffic from other states in the Sabarimala season, National highway to Sabarimala is a necessity)
5) Only few long distance KSRTC buses.
6) No public sector companies. (Pathanamthitta may be the one and only district with that "status").
7) Not included in the list of districts selected for setting up IT parks.
8) No initiative to explore the tourism potential of the district. (It has places like Gavi, Perunthenaruvi, Konni and Achenkovil)
9) No help from Government to boost the pilgrim tourism which exists in the District.
10) No initiative to implement “Pamba Action plan”, a project funded by Central Government.
11) No god fathers in Kerala politics.

We also deserve some development in our area. We are also contributing heavily to the government exchequer. It has a large population of NRIs. They are depositing huge amounts in the banks and that is indirectly pumped to the economy. (Kumabanad in this district has the distinction of most number of banks and ATMs in a small area). If you look at Sabarimala, every year 5 crores of pilgrims are visiting there. If you consider that one pilgrim spends a minimum of Rs 1000 in Kerala, it will be 5000 crores to the economy every year. Also please see how Sabarimala pilgrimage contributes to KSRTC and Travancore Devaswom board.

If Sabarimala pilgrimage were not there, KSRTC would have died. Similarly the case with Travancode Devaswom board, they are using the revenue from Sabarimala for the daily expenses and developments of all small and medium temples under them. They were neglecting Sabarimala. Under the rule of officers, now we are seeing some developments there.

Pathanamthitta has other important pilgrim centers like Achenkovil temple, Pandalam temple, Aranmula temple,Chakkulathukavu temple,Sree vallabha temple, Kaviyoor Guha Kshethram, Parumala church, Manjanikkara church etc. Also we have events like Aranmula boat race, Maramon convention (Asia's largest Christian event) and Kadamanitta padayani. All these places and events attract large number of people not only from Kerala but also from other states. And the gatherings of people will generate good revenue for Government.

Only development we can see in Pathanamthitta is better roads (not wide, roads with less gutters). But we don't have roads with national standard. I can surely say that government hasn't spent more than 5% of the revenue it had generated from Pathanamthitta district.

You have to remember that the airport project is initiated by the citizens of Pathanamthitta. Can we imagine that government will come forward to setup a project like this in Pathanamthitta? ( അതിനു ചിലപ്പോള്* പരശുരാമന്* ഒന്ന് കൂടി മഴു എറിയേണ്ടി വരും )
They had proposed some projects for Pathanamthitta which never got materialized. In the case of airport also, I doubt whether the government departments will cooperate with the Airport Company for the proceedings of the airport.

Another thing to notice is that the news item is quoting Abhraham Kalamannil, Aranmula Aviation Limited managing director. I have seen him coming with this kind of statements every six months ever since they announced the project. (You will come to know if you search in google about “Aranmula airport”) I guess he wants to keep the project alive. So it is not the time for arguments and conclusions. Let us wait and see whether this project is materializing or not….

vinod_2007

June 4th, 2010, 01:44 PM

Krishna,

I am sure that you will have some facts to prove that Kottayam deserve an airport than Pathanamthitta. Kottayam is the most developed town in this region. Considering the importance of Kumarakom and the business activities, I can say that the demand is genuine. I also agree with you that Kottayam is neglected by the Govt for the last couple of years. But you have to agree with me that Kottayam had received many benefits from Govt some time back.

But in the case of Pathanamthitta, even a child can say that it is the most neglected district in Kerala. Kottayam has got something, but we have got nothing. Can you list a single project funded by Government in this district. Please see some facts:

1) We don’t have any type of Govt. colleges (Arts & Science/Engg/Medical).
2) Only 6kms of Railway line.
3) No Medical college.
4) No National Highway. (This district sees heavy traffic from other states in the Sabarimala season, National highway to Sabarimala is a necessity)
5) Only few long distance KSRTC buses.
6) No public sector companies. (Pathanamthitta may be the one and only district with that "status").
7) Not included in the list of districts selected for setting up IT parks.
8) No initiative to explore the tourism potential of the district. (It has places like Gavi, Perunthenaruvi, Konni and Achenkovil)
9) No help from Government to boost the pilgrim tourism which exists in the District.
10) No initiative to implement “Pamba Action plan”, a project funded by Central Government.
11) No god fathers in Kerala politics.

We also deserve some development in our area. We are also contributing heavily to the government exchequer. It has a large population of NRIs. They are depositing huge amounts in the banks and that is indirectly pumped to the economy. (Kumabanad in this district has the distinction of most number of banks and ATMs in a small area). If you look at Sabarimala, every year 5 crores of pilgrims are visiting there. If you consider that one pilgrim spends a minimum of Rs 1000 in Kerala, it will be 5000 crores to the economy every year. Also please see how Sabarimala pilgrimage contributes to KSRTC and Travancore Devaswom board.

If Sabarimala pilgrimage were not there, KSRTC would have died. Similarly the case with Travancode Devaswom board, they are using the revenue from Sabarimala for the daily expenses and developments of all small and medium temples under them. They were neglecting Sabarimala. Under the rule of officers, now we are seeing some developments there.

Pathanamthitta has other important pilgrim centers like Achenkovil temple, Pandalam temple, Aranmula temple,Chakkulathukavu temple,Sree vallabha temple, Kaviyoor Guha Kshethram, Parumala church, Manjanikkara church etc. Also we have events like Aranmula boat race, Maramon convention (Asia's largest Christian event) and Kadamanitta padayani. All these places and events attract large number of people not only from Kerala but also from other states. And the gatherings of people will generate good revenue for Government.

Only development we can see in Pathanamthitta is better roads (not wide, roads with less gutters). But we don't have roads with national standard. I can surely say that government hasn't spent more than 5% of the revenue it had generated from Pathanamthitta district.

You have to remember that the airport project is initiated by the citizens of Pathanamthitta. Can we imagine that government will come forward to setup a project like this in Pathanamthitta? ( അതിനു ചിലപ്പോള്* പരശുരാമന്* ഒന്ന് കൂടി മഴു എറിയേണ്ടി വരും )
They had proposed some projects for Pathanamthitta which never got materialized. In the case of airport also, I doubt whether the government departments will cooperate with the Airport Company for the proceedings of the airport.

Another thing to notice is that the news item is quoting Abhraham Kalamannil, Aranmula Aviation Limited managing director. I have seen him coming with this kind of statements every six months ever since they announced the project. (You will come to know if you search in google about “Aranmula airport”) I guess he wants to keep the project alive. So it is not the time for arguments and conclusions. Let us wait and see whether this project is materializing or not….

I'm definitely there with your comments.... Pathanamthitta is neglected and it's not even a brand name or known name within Kerala itself....

But Still do we require another airport ?

Are we all trying to make Mumbais or delhis or bangalore in all over kerala..

Make it a better place to live is the priority...

Make Kerala look beautiful and neat... a swiss look... :) :cheers:

sakrishna

June 4th, 2010, 06:11 PM

I’ll reply to everyone’s queries and comments, one by one.

Krishna,

But you have to agree with me that Kottayam had received many benefits from Govt some time back.

....

Kiran Chetta, First I'll reply to your comment.

I agree with you almost completely regarding your statement.

Except that - Your comparison of Pathanamthitta with Kottayam is not apt.

I agree that Pathanamthitta is the most neglected district in its Category, i.e compared to its counterparts like Kasaragod etc.

Compare Pathanamthitta with the so called backward district ‘Kasaragod’ - Then you'll get an idea how neglected pathanamthitta is.
Even Kottayam is not getting the attention or importance under this Govt. which Kasaragod is getting now.

Pathanamthitta and Kasaragod are the two youngest districts in the state and their HQs are not tier-3 cities.

Kottayam is one among the 1st districts formed and its HQs is a tier 3 city, which mainly developed through the printing and publishing industry and rubber, i.e without much Govt. support.
It’s mainly rubber that keeps its economy going and that’s how the town still manages to retain its position as an important Commercial centre.

LDF Govt. hasn’t given any support to the Plantation sector because CPM hates rubber cultivation.
I think your statement is based on - Kottayam Medical College, MG Varsity and RIT , Travancore cements (the only major state PSU in Kottayam district), and Hindustan newsprint and Kottayam port. There ends the list of Major projects in Kottayam.
All these came in different decades.

Out of this, Nattakom Travancore cement was established during the era of sir C.P. , i.e. it’s not an initative of any Kerala Govt.
(The unit is now a loss making one and Govt. hasn't shown any interset to revive it. Elamaram Karim remembers' about this only when he comes to Kottayam.)

The so called Kottayam port is a mere Rs 10 crore project, initiate by Kottayam based SICCI. Out of this 5crore was invested by SICCI itself and the rest 5 crore by state and central Govt. This project was initiated when UDF was in power, but not by UDF Govt. But UDF was willing to support this project.)

But I must admit the fact that without the sincere and timely intervention of Shri Vasavan MLA, this project wouldn’t have become a reality
It’s because the present state Govt. laughed off this project, when they came to know about this project initially – KOTTAYAM PORT. REASON – KOTTAYAM DOESN’T HAVE SEA.

NOW THEY WANT TO TAKE CREDIT FOR THIS ‘MEGA’ PROJECT. Why? Because they want to convince the people of Kottayam that they’ve done something for the district. :bash:

When I made the comparison, I compared Kottayam with other districts with Tier-3 cities as district HQs.

RIT was established in 1991. After that, did Kottayam get any significant project?

Is Kottayam the only district to have a Govt. engg. College, University and MC. (Kottayam was chosen for these considering its location between the 4 districts and its prominence as a place where English Education was started first - I think so)
Check for yourself.

Because you compared PTA with KTM, let me make the following comparisons

PTA is soon going to have a MC and a cooperative engg. college.

Thiruvalla Bus terminal modernisation got approval recently.

What about the more important Kottayam KSRTC bus terminal?

PTA has got 3 industrial parks, all by KINFRA, which is a state Govt. promoted agency
• Rubber park at Ranni
• Food park at Konni
• Small industriaes park at Adoor
PTA has got a PSU – It’s a cable manufacturing unit.

Traco Cables to set up new unit in Kannur
............

The State Industries Minister, Mr Elamaram Kareem, will lay the foundation stone for the third manufacturing unit of the State-owned Traco Cable Company Ltd at Padannakkara in Pinarayi near Kannur on June 1.

Incorporated in 1960, the company is engaged in manufacture of cables and conductors. It has two manufacturing units one in Ernakulam and the other in Pathanamthitta district.
..........

Hindu Businessline (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/06/01/stories/2010060152892100.htm)

Kottayam doesn’t have even a single Industrial park. All the rubber based units are owned privately and situated in various regions.
Recently Govt. sanctioned 8 new PSU’s – check over yourself whether Kottayam got anything.
All of them went to Alp and Malabar.

Compare Kottayam with other districts with tier 3 cities as HQs (and also Kasaragod, which is not a tier 3 city HQ district), in the following areas

•Indoor stadium / Inclusion in National Games (Palakkad and Kasaragod weren’t included in NG but foundation stone for Indoor stadium in these places have been laid recently.
Our Indoor stadium, which is 2+ decades old demand, still remains a distant dream. (Minister MVK njangale Sherikkum Pattichu - 'Kali' Manthri Nnjagale Sherikkum 'Kalippichu' :lol:.)
• IT park
• New PSUs
• Revival of existing PSUs
• Central Govt. Educational institutions
• Central Govt. Industrial Units.
* Other Educational institutions under state Govt.
• New mega Tourism projects (even, the tourism at Kumarakom wasn’t an initiative of any Govt. )
Etc. etc. and more.

Any answer now?

sakrishna

June 4th, 2010, 06:33 PM

Bakki Nale. Till then Good Bye, Shubh Rathri. :goodnight

(Why I'm against Aranmula airport project?

My contribution towards Kottayam's development etc. will be discussed tomorrow)

sakrishna

June 5th, 2010, 05:52 AM

^^ Yea true. Aranmula isn't far from Kottayam. See the distance between major airports and respective cities. :)

Hey sai..
Quiting SSC just because of an airport project is childish.

An airport neccessarily wont bring huge development to a particalar area ( see nedumbassery or karipur - they are still not as developed as it should be). they just increases the land price thats it...and will provide enployment for a few..its very less if compared to an industrial area which comes in such a vast land...

:cheers:

Yes it is Calicut which is getting benefit of the airport not Karippur. Even Karippur is in malappuram district. Similarly it is Kochi and Thrissur which gets benefit of airport and not nedumbassery. With the airport near by more projects will come to the city and the district. Same is going to happen with Kottayam. You can reach the airport from Kottayam much faster than from those metro cities to their respective airports. Ee cherukkante oru karyam. :bash:

Hey krishna...listen to what aslesh says....what he said is a correct and positive perspective....aranmula airport will only add to kottayam development....towns and cities cannot have airports so close to them.

Aranmula is about 43 Kms from Kottayam and 15 Kms from Pathanamthitta (8 Kms from Chengannur and 15 Kms from Thiruvalla).
Agreed- 43 Kms is not a large distance.
Wherever airports are constructed,airports/their names are associated with the most importanct city of that particular region.
In C.T., there’s no doubt Kottayam is the most important city.

But Kottayam is yet to make a mark on its own, i.e. establish itself as a prominent city.

If you compare the distances of the proposed Aranmula airport from KTM and PTA and the name of the airport, I'm sure Kottayam will lose its importance, once Aranmula airport comes up.

‘Kottayam athra Gathi ketta, Adhapadhicha Stahalamalla, for this to happen. So this can’t be accepted.’

‘How does it feel as a person belonging to a more important place, when his/her place is forced to grow under a lower tier city?’
‘This is like – ‘Onnu Cheenju Mattonninu Valamakuka’.’

This is what is going to happen with Kottayam, if Aranmula airport becomes a reality.

But if an airport comes up to the south of Kottayam Town, about 20 - 30 Kms from Kottayam Town and is named after Kottayam, It'll surely benefit the whole Central Travancore region and also Kottayam will be able to maintain its importance.

•Comparison with Metro airports - Take Bangalore.

Bangalore has already earned name as a reputed city, moreover, it’s a state Capital. It’s a Metro city.
In Bangalore, a new airport was necessary as the HAL airport inside the city couldn’t be expanded anymore, moreover it’s meant for the use of HAL’s needs.

Due to space crunch near the city, Devanahalli was chosen, which is about 40 Kms from Bangalore city.
But the official name of the airport is ‘Bangalore International airport’ and not ‘Devanahalli International airport’.
But people have started feeling that this 40+Kms itself is a long distance. Now steps are being taken to establish HSRL to the airport with the city for easy movement, at a cost of 6000+ crore.

Now, even if those behind the Govt. or Aranmula airport admit that Kottayam is the most important city in the region, will they rename it as ‘Kottayam airport’ and will they establish a HSRL to Kottayam? Not at all.

Pinne Ithu Keralamanu. So it’s not going to happen for sure.

• Comparison with Karippur and Nedumbaserry
Here, Karippur is almost equidistant from Calicut and Malappuram, about 26 Kms from both places.
Also, the official name of the airport is ‘Calicut International Airport’, not Karippur or Malappuram international airport, Calicut being the main city in the region.

An airport need not necessarily bring development to the particular area where it is located but can have significant impact on the cities to which it belongs to and suburbs other nearby cities and places in the district, in terms of development.

About Nedumbaserry – Nedumbaserry is about 27 Kms from Ernakulam, the heart of Cochin.
And 51 Kms from Trichur.
We all know how Trichur is being benefitted from the airport. Eg:- World Class University, other development in retail and residential sectors etc.

But Cochin still retains its position as the important city in the region. It’s because there are other factors which helps Kochi maintain its position like port, industries etc.

But in the case of Kottayam, there are no such significant factors.

Hey...
............
Now Airport is not biggest development as i have already told.. When cochin already had an airport they made a nother one in Cochin... It should have been made in Thrissur... but if you say thrissur beneifit from it.. then kottayam will be benefited.. if it comes around a 50km range....

The new airport at Cochin was necessary because the old Naval airport had been found unusable for Civilian use, i.e. It couldn’t be expanded for catering wide bodied aircraft, hence international services.

Also, Cochin being the most important city in the region, surely Cochin deserves the airport in its name. Simple Logic. ;)

sakrishna

June 5th, 2010, 08:07 AM

If it was the promoters of Aranmula airport project itself who were responsible for the 'end' of Aranmula airport project initally, in the case of Kottayam airport project, it's the present state Govt. which is responsible for playing spoil sport with the project.

Airport wasn't the original motive of those behind the Aranmula airport project.

They didn’t have approval from the Civil Aviation department.

It was purely for real estate motive for which they played the whole drama.

This truth was revealed by one of those from the director board of this ‘so called airport project’ and when they came to know that Kottayam airport project had received approval from the Centre, it sent a shiver down their spine. Out of fear of getting caught, they are now striving hard to make the airport project a reality.

This is surely going to put an end to the Kottayam airport project.

The demand for an airport in Kottayam is not a new one. The plan for establishing a mini airport
For promoting tourism had been there already.

But it was in 2008 that the actual efforts for the airport project started, by the District Panchayath.

The plan was to build a small airport with the help of NRIs.

When this airport project was introduced among the NRIs, the response was overwhelming. Many people and NRI organizations evinced interest ito invest in Kottayam airport project.

So, they later changed the plan and decided to build a bigger airport.

If the state Govt. had given NOC to the project on time, things would’ve moved forward and the long felt need for an airport in C.T would’ve got fructified soon.

Sadly, they ignored the proposal citing it’s not viable, without making any feasibility study.

Now, what does it mean if the same Govt. gives NOC to this Aranmula project?

It’s the state Govt. and the promoters of Aranmula airport project who are responsible for Sabotaging Kottayam airport project.

‘Avanavano cheythumilla mattullavare Cheyyanum Samathikilla.’

Simply because Aranmula is almost equidistant from both CIAL and TIA, so the reason that ‘Aranmula is suitable for the airport’ etc. is rubbish. Is the same theory followed everywhere?

Also, if you are citing ‘Sabarimala’ as the reason, it must be kept in mind that more than 95 % who visit Sabarimala every year, from other states come and go by train. Otherwise, the passenger traffic at both CIAL and TIA would be well above 50 lakh, every year.

An airport in C.T is necessary.

But if it is built around 20 Kms south of Kottayam, more places can be served by the airport and it will earn more profit.

Also, Considering the fact that CIAL had a passenger throughput of 36 Lakhs in 2009 and TIA had around 22 Lakhs, it’s better to build the airport closer to Kottayam, otherwise, TIA will lose a good number of passengers to/from Kollam district.

sakrishna

June 5th, 2010, 08:30 AM

Aranmula airport

Land value soars in Aranmula

Radhakrishnan Kuttoor

‘Dream’ projects proposed in the cash-rich agrarian belt trigger it

Photo. Leju Kamal
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/30/images/2008033054450501.jpg
CONVERSION-SPREE: Conversion of the Aranmula puncha, a 1,000-acre extant of paddy fields, under way in the name of a proposed international airport project. —
PATHANAMTHITTA: Land value is soaring in the cash-rich agrarian-cum-NRI (Non-Resident Indian) belt of Central Travancore following the announcement of some ‘dream’ projects.

An international airport at Aranmula on the banks of the Pampa is the latest in a series of projects proposed in the area.

“Life has become miserable for the common man who often finds himself tempted by the ‘dream’ price offered to his small landholding by the so-called real estate lobby. The spurt in land price, even in remote areas, from Rs.15,000 a cent to Rs.30,000 and even Rs.50,000, naturally tempts a debt-ridden villager to sell his property in the hope of purchasing a piece of land at a lower rate somewhere else in the district. But soon he realises that the tentacles of the land lobby have been spreading to more areas, denying him a piece of land at a lower price even in the remotest part of the village,” says K .Sivadasan Nair, Pathanamthitta MLA, who is a resident of Aranmula.

This has been a phenomenon at Aranmula ever since the announcement of the airport project by the Mount Zion Educational and Charitable Trust four years ago. Proposals for a cultural heritage village and a rubber dam with water sports facility in the Pampa are the other ambitious projects.
Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilali Union and the Communist Party of India were in the forefront of an agitation against unscientific conversion of paddy fields at Aranmula in the name of the proposed airport project in 2004. The project was revived a few months ago with the formation of Aranmula Aviation Limited (AAL) and induction of P.S. Nair, a Kochi-based real estate businessman, as its chairman. The ALL chairman says the company is planning to complete the international airport project in three years and would start air taxi service in one year.

Aranmula MLA K.C. Rajagopalan has extended support to the airport project. The MLA says the proposed airport would play a key role in the overall development of the entire Central Travancore region.

The Mount Zion Trust continues conversion of the Aranmula puncha (paddy fields), bulldozing an adjoining hill. About 150 acres of ecologically fragile wetland-like paddy fields have already been converted.
Many local people allege an unholy land lobby-politician-official nexus behind the wanton conversion of the paddy fields.

Mr. Sivadasan Nair rules out the feasibility of an international airport in Aranmula. However, he says that the possibility of a domestic airport at Aranmula could very well be explored, considering its proximity to Sabarimala, tourism importance and the sizable presence of NRIs in the region.

It is learnt that the Civil Aviation Department has not yet issued any clearance for the airport proposal.

The land value of landholdings on either side of a small road leading to the paddy fields where illegal conversion is on has shot up to Rs.1 lakh to Rs.1.25 lakh a cent from Rs.2,500 to Rs.3,000 in the recent past, says Baby, a local resident who is a mason by profession. Satheesh, a car driver, says he has been offered Rs.30,000 a cent for his property in the Kulamakkuzhy colony atop a remote hillock in Aranmula.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/30/stories/2008033054450500.htm)

‘Real estate interests behind airport’
Radhakrishnan Kuttoor

Paddy field being converted in Aranmula puncha

Photo: Leju Kamal
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/23/images/2008072351730701.jpg
Unchecked: Vast expanses of paddy fields being converted by a private party at Aranmula after announcing the construction of an international airport there. —
ARANMULA (PATHANAMTHITTA): The announcement of Central support to the proposed airport project in Kottayam has brought to light certain unpleasant facts behind the much-publicised proposal for another “international airport” announced by a private agency at Aranmula.
Aranmula Aviation Limited (AAL), a recently-floated private company, announced its “dream project” to construct an international airport at Aranmula a year ago. A few months ago, the company even announced the launching of its air taxi service from Aranmula in a year’s time.

However, talking to The Hindu on Tuesday, AAL director T.K. Raveendran Nair expressed his doubts about the “sincerity of certain company quarters” in implementing the airport project.

He said that with the announcement of Central support to the proposed airport in Kottayam, the chances of getting clearance for another airport in the adjoining district of Pathanamthitta were remote.

According to him, there is every reason to suspect some sort of “real estate interests” on the part of certain company top-brass. Capt. Nair said that, to his knowledge, AAL had not yet sought clearance from the Civil Aviation Department or any other agency concerned for the proposed airport project.[/B]
Moreover, the company did not possess “even a single cent of land of its own as the Mount Zion Trust headed by AAL managing director Abraham Kalamannil is yet to transfer the land earmarked for the project,” he added.

“Dream” project
It all started with the announcement of an airport project by the Kozhencherry-based Mount Zion Trust five years ago. The trust reportedly purchased about 101 hectares of low-lying paddy fields in the Aranmula puncha and started indiscriminate conversion activity in 2003-04. However, the paddy field conversion hit a road block following strong opposition from various farm workers’ unions, especially the CPI(M)-led Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilali Union (KSKTU).

The proposed airport project was revived a year ago with the registration of a new company, AAL, and induction of P.S. Nair, a Kochi-based real estate businessman, as its chairman. The other three members on the AAL board are Mr. Abraham Kalamanil (managing director) and Mr. Raveendran Nair and Samuel Thomas (both directors).

Meanwhile, the Mount Zion Trust and Mr. Abraham Kalamannil, who still possess the entire land, resumed the conversion of Aranmula puncha with alleged official and political patronage.

Even the local MLA, who was in the forefront of the agitation against the land conversion five years ago, kept mum on the bulldozing of an adjoining hill into the paddy fields, alleged a local businessman.

There are also allegations that the Revenue authorities’ inaction is a testimony to the large-scale corruption involved. However, the district authorities here have confirmed that no official sanction has been given so far for land conversion in Aranmula puncha.

Though Capt. Nair says that only 20 hectares of paddy field have been converted, the local people say that the converted area is around 40 hectares.

Capt. Nair said that he had already made his stand clear that the company should return the money, around Rs.30 lakh, collected from various shareholders if it failed to implement the project.
It is also a fact that the land value in Aranmula has shot up with the announcement of the airport project.

Environmentalists here have called upon the government to take over the converted portion of the Aranmula puncha and restore it without any delay.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/23/stories/2008072351730700.htm)

Mini airport planned at Aranmula

Staff Reporter

Company entrusts project report work to KITCO
KITCO to submit report to VS
‘Airport project requires 280 acres’

PATHANAMTHITTA: Aranmula Aviation Ltd. (AAL) has launched groundwork for a mini airport at Aranmula to start air-taxi services to select destinations in South India, Abraham Kalamannil, chairman of the company, said here on Wednesday.

In a statement here, Mr. Kalamannil and T.K. Raveendran Nair, director of the company, said the State-owned KITCO had been entrusted the work on a detailed project report. The company would submit the report to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan soon, seeking the government’s no-objection certificate for the project.

Mr. Kalamannil said the company was planning to set up the airport as a joint venture with a Chennai-based business group. It had prepared the ground for laying a runway through the 120 hectares of land bought for the airport.

Air taxi service
He said the company was planning to start the air taxi service with small turbo-propelled aircraft.

Mr. Kalamannil said the general body meeting held at Kozhencherry had resolved to remove the former chairman of the company P.S. Nair from the director board. With this, the board would have Mr. Kalamannil, Capt. Nair and Thomas Samuel.

Executive director
The meeting decided to appoint a former Indian Administrative Service official of high repute as the executive director of the company. Capt. Nair said it required not less than 280 hectares of land for setting up an international airport at an estimated cost of Rs.1,000 crore. The company’s first step would be to establish a mini airport.
K.C. Rajagopal, MLA, attended the general body meeting.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/2009/08/06/stories/2009080654260300.htm)

Now read this post from the blog ' anoopthiruvalla.blogspot.com'

http://item.slide.com/r/1/46/i/RG_XWdlH7j9HXMP85qm8jJysa1GRfAGg/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/167/i/HIZa7fmA0T8ybDTpXVgIFPkxo9cZYVma/

Kottayam Airport

http://item.slide.com/r/1/274/i/JHExsRrezD9g2evy0cTtg74u53f_4HrC/
Source: kottayamvartha.com

http://item.slide.com/r/1/5/i/-rFLfRp_6j-2SD-VZmLL3RBZ3MiQeJMv/
Source: Mathrubhumi

Updated: 20/07/2008 | 08:54 PM IST

Keralites in Kuwait agree to fund new Kottayam airport

Indo Asian News Service
Sunday, July 20, 2008 (Kottayam)

A group of Keralites settled in Kuwait has come forward to fund the building of an airport near Kottayam, said former chief minister Oommen Chandy.
Chandy, who is Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, said the green signal for the funding came after several rounds of talks.

"This project has been initiated by the Kottayam district panchayat and Thomas Kunnapaly, president of the district panchayat, is in Delhi to submit the details of the project to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel," said Chandy, who represents Puthupally constituency in Kottayam district.

A few places have been identified for setting up the airport, Chandy said.
"Initially, the plan was for a small airport with landing facilities for small aircrafts up to a seating capacity of 80. But with the proposal getting an overwhelming support from the Keralites in Kuwait, it could be even a big airport," added Chandy.

A large number of people from Kottayam district and its neighbouring districts, including Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, has settled in the Middle-East, Europe and in the US.

At present, the people from these districts are depending on the airports in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi to travel abroad and back to home.
"We will support the project completely as it would also give a big boost to the tourism industry in the area including Kumarakom and Munnar," said P.C. George, a five-time legislator from Kottayam district.

NDTV profit (http://www.ndtvprofit.com/2008/07/20205401/Keralites-in-Kuwait-agree-to-f.html)

There was no fraudulent acts / motives behind Kottayam airport project but it was denied NOC, especially considering the fact the it was initiated by district Panchayth and involved transperency, and they followed the correct path.

But what about Aranmula project? What does all this mean?

arunpr

June 5th, 2010, 07:00 PM

I’ll reply to everyone’s queries and comments, one by one.
Kottayam doesn’t have even a single Industrial park. All the rubber based units are owned privately and situated in various regions.
Recently Govt. sanctioned 8 new PSU’s – check over yourself whether Kottayam got anything.
All of them went to Alp and Malabar.

Compare Kottayam with other districts with tier 3 cities as HQs (and also Kasaragod, which is not a tier 3 city HQ district), in the following areas

•Indoor stadium / Inclusion in National Games (Palakkad and Kasaragod weren’t included in NG but foundation stone for Indoor stadium in these places have been laid recently.
Our Indoor stadium, which is 2+ decades old demand, still remains a distant dream. (Minister MVK njangale Sherikkum Pattichu - 'Kali' Manthri Nnjagale Sherikkum 'Kalippichu' :lol:.)
• IT park
• New PSUs
• Revival of existing PSUs
• Central Govt. Educational institutions
• Central Govt. Industrial Units.
* Other Educational institutions under state Govt.
• New mega Tourism projects (even, the tourism at Kumarakom wasn’t an initiative of any Govt. )
Etc. etc. and more.

Any answer now?

Ommen Chandy and K M Mani elected from Kottayam district for more that 40 years. OC has been representing Puthuppally Constituency for the last 40 years. KM Mani representing Pala for 40 years. These people are the real killers of Kottayam district.

K M Mani
---------
He was elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1965 from the Palai Assembly Constituency (now PALA) Constituency of Kottayam district, and since then he won all the ten elections that followed in 1967, 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006. He was minister for Home Affairs (April 1977 to September 1978 and again from October 1978 to July 1979), Finance and Law (January 1980 - October 1981, December 1981-March 1982 and again from May 1982-March 1982-March 1986), Irrigation and law(1987), Revenue and Law(1987), Revenue and Law (June 1991 to March 1996),Revenue and Law(2001 to 2006). He has never lost an election to the Legislative Assembly.

Ommen Chandy
--------------
He served as Minister for Labour from 11 April 1977 to 27 October 1978 in A.K. Antony ministry. When K. Karunakaran-led Congress ministry came in to power in 1981, Chandy became the Minister for Home from 28 December 1981 to 17 March 1982. He served as minister for labour and housing (1977-78), home minister (1981-82) and finance minister (1991-94).

He has been representing Puthuppally Constituency for the last 40 years. Elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006.

These 2 fraud politicians are the people who are really behind the backwardness of this district. No point in blaming others. These 2 frauds are MLAs for more that 40 years and couldnt able to attract any industries to Kottayam district. These 2 politicians are really the leaders of UDF and they had got more than 40 years to do something for the state. Still they are winning the elections each and every year. People of Kottayam should think abt this. There are no ministers in the present LDF government from Kottayam now. When mons joseph was there, he tried to bring an IT park in Kozha. So people of kottayam should think before giving votes to people like Mani and ommen chandy and UDF.

sakrishna

June 5th, 2010, 07:15 PM

^^

Ommen Chandy and K M Mani elected from Kottayam district for more that 40 years. OC has been representing Puthuppally Constituency for the last 40 years. KM Mani representing Pala for 40 years. These people are the real killers of Kottayam district.

K M Mani
---------
He was elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1965 from the Palai Assembly Constituency (now PALA) Constituency of Kottayam district, and since then he won all the ten elections that followed in 1967, 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006. He was minister for Home Affairs (April 1977 to September 1978 and again from October 1978 to July 1979), Finance and Law (January 1980 - October 1981, December 1981-March 1982 and again from May 1982-March 1982-March 1986), Irrigation and law(1987), Revenue and Law(1987), Revenue and Law (June 1991 to March 1996),Revenue and Law(2001 to 2006). He has never lost an election to the Legislative Assembly.

Ommen Chandy
--------------
He served as Minister for Labour from 11 April 1977 to 27 October 1978 in A.K. Antony ministry. When K. Karunakaran-led Congress ministry came in to power in 1981, Chandy became the Minister for Home from 28 December 1981 to 17 March 1982. He served as minister for labour and housing (1977-78), home minister (1981-82) and finance minister (1991-94).

He has been representing Puthuppally Constituency for the last 40 years. Elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006.

These 2 fraud politicians are the people who are really behind the backwardness of this district. No point in blaming others. These 2 frauds are MLAs for more that 40 years and couldnt able to attract any industries to Kottayam district. These 2 politicians are really the leaders of UDF and they had got more than 40 years to do something for the state. Still they are winning the elections each and every year. People of Kottayam should think abt this. There are no ministers in the present LDF government from Kottayam now. When mons joseph was there, he tried to bring an IT park in Kozha. So people of kottayam should think before giving votes to people like Mani and ommen chandy and UDF.

^^

I'll reply to your comment in 2 days. (Kathirunno. I'm coming.........). ;)

No time today. :goodnight.

vinod_2007

June 7th, 2010, 09:05 AM

^^

^^

I'll reply to your comment in 2 days. (Kathirunno. I'm coming.........). ;)

No time today. :goodnight.

Hey...

Krishna... Cool down... yar...

Every District have gone through a dark phase during certain political party ruling in some time....

If you can see my previous post in Thrissur thread.. may be.. 2007 ones.. you may find..

nothing is going to happen in near future,,,,, even if it happens it will be too small... and you would say... why there is an airport like this ?

Lets.. stop this Airport discussion...

You don't have to be personally hit.... We will all have to find a chance to discuss such things in public...

Finish your exams and attend few News channel discussion forums regarding the Airport and spead your visions...

Emerging_Quilon

June 7th, 2010, 09:41 AM

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 09:54 AM

I think Aranmula airport is a good boon for the Northern and Eastern parts of Kollam and its overall development. I think Kollam will be benefitted from the Aranmula airport. Trivandrum Airport and proposed Aranmula airport are almost the same diatance from Kollam City. But for the Northern and Eastern Kollam regions, Aranmula will be a shorter distance compared to Trivandrum.

How about an airport in Kollam itself?

Here, the 3 district head quarters (Alp, KTM and Pta) are 85 + kms from their nearest airports, takes 2 .5 hrs +.

For Kollam, its around 60 Kms from the new TIA at Chakkai, which can be reached in 1.5 hrs.

But if Aranmula airport comes up, I'm sure Kottayam will lose it importance in C.T.

Now, even if an airport comes up around 20 Kms south of Kottayam, these northern parts of Kollam will be around 55 Kms only. Okay.

Also, airport at Kottayam will be a 'boon' for tourists to southern part of Idukki district.

Also, places like Vagamon can be accessed eaily, which will be less than 70 Kms.

At present, the eastern parts of Kollam like Punalur is 75 kms from TIA, but what about Idukki?

Also, this airport is mainly meant to serve C.T, which occupies a significant area in the state, and 'Kottayam' is the most important city in the region. Okay?

This airport is mainly meant to serve other important towns of C.T district too, including Pala, Kanjirapally etc.

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 10:37 AM

I'm definitely there with your comments.... Pathanamthitta is neglected and it's not even a brand name or known name within Kerala itself....

But Still do we require another airport ?

Are we all trying to make Mumbais or delhis or bangalore in all over kerala..

Make it a better place to live is the priority...

Make Kerala look beautiful and neat... a swiss look... :) :cheers:

Hi Vinod,

Thank you for your support...

I don't want to debate on whether we want another airport In Kerala or not. I can say one thing, if we start an airport at Aranmula it will be a success. If the news of Reliance's interest in this airport is correct, they would have done enough feasibility studies. Another thing to remember is that, Pathanamthitta falls in the catchments area of both Trivandrum and Kochi airports. So the impact will be split among both the airports. Even if they start the construction of the airport now, it will be ready after three years. Both the airports can easily compensate the loss caused by Aranmula airport by that time, because of the large scale economic activities coming around Trivandrum and Kochi.

As of now, Pathanamthitta doesn't have the growth potential in the industrial and IT sectors due to the lack of transportation facilities. There is no scope of water transport, a cost effective mode, in this district. Even though we have Sabarimala in this district, we don't have wide roads and railway lines. (Sabari railway line is facing lots of hurdles and may take another 10-15 years to complete). Now there are talks about Kanyakumari-Thrissur expressway via Pathanamthitta. But due to the current situation in Kerala, how can we say that it will be materialized.

So as a native of Pathanamthitta, I also want my district to be developed. For Pathanamthitta, airport is a ray of hope. If it becomes a reality, we can think about IT parks and industries in Pathanamthitta, where plenty of land is available.

Again I am repeating that, it is not the right time for discussions about the airport. The company has to get some important approvals from ministries of union and state governments. So let us wait and see........

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 10:52 AM

Hey...

Krishna... Cool down... yar...

Every District have gone through a dark phase during certain political party ruling in some time....

If you can see my previous post in Thrissur thread.. may be.. 2007 ones.. you may find..

nothing is going to happen in near future,,,,, even if it happens it will be too small... and you would say... why there is an airport like this ?

Lets.. stop this Airport discussion...

You don't have to be personally hit.... We will all have to find a chance to discuss such things in public...

Finish your exams and attend few News channel discussion forums regarding the Airport and spead your visions...

Okay Vinod, I’ll stopping the discussion regarding airport soon and the wole ‘whining’, but with an apt reply to Arunpr's viewpoints, I’m bound to reply for his ‘findings’ and ‘request’ to vote for CPM/LDF, his favourite part/Front.

There was a time, especially in 2007 when I joined, people in other forums used to make a lot of complains regarding Govt.s negligence etc. - this whining is not something that I started in SSC Kerala.

Also, there was a general impression among people from other places that ‘because Kottayam is having few Highrises, the whole district is developing rapidly’.

Now your districts are getting enough attention from this Govt., so you people don’t have any/much complaint, except you still say that ‘almost every district is facing the same negligence’.

This was not the case till few years back – if we go through the first 20 -30 pages in Trichur thread, Kannur thread, Calicut thread, Kollam thread, every now and then people used to discuss about this negligence.

If I’m whining about Govt. negligence, some forumers ‘whine’ about ‘media’s negligence.

But I’ve never abused any city/district, saying ‘My city is good, only My city is the best,your city is bad, etc. I’ve not made any such provocative remark.

I’ve made significant contributions in every Kerala threads, I don’t have any hatred for any other place.
But When I say that Kottayam deserves the airport, I’m not blindly saying that.

But I can understand the feeling of ‘some’ people (not everyone) who oppose this project.

People opposing Kottayam airport have different viewpoints. (Some people oppose it because they fear that ‘Kottayam orupadu angu valarnalo’ ennu. ;))

Yes, I accept, the way I complain is bit childish, I’m just 23, so there’s lack of maturity.

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 10:59 AM

Except that - Your comparison of Pathanamthitta with Kottayam is not apt.

I agree that Pathanamthitta is the most neglected district in its Category, i.e compared to its counterparts like Kasaragod etc.

Compare Pathanamthitta with the so called backward district ‘Kasaragod’

Pathanamthitta and Kasaragod are the two youngest districts in the state and their HQs are not tier-3 cities.

Hi Krishna,

As we are talking about location of airport, it is apt to compare Pathanamthitta with Kottayam. And I am talking about Pathanamthitta district not only Pathanamthitta town. You also have to remember Thiruvalla, the NRI town as well when considering the status of cities. Also the district level offices are split among these two towns. Pathanamthitta district cannot be comparable with Kasargod, except in the case of age. Even though we don't have any industries, it is not a backward district.

It is one among the top districts in case of education and per capita income (Thanks to the income from NRIs). Quality of life is good in this district. Literally there is no unemployment existing in this district. The NRIs in this district are contributing heavily to bring up the status of the society they belong to. If you travel through this district you can see good houses and clean surroundings every where. We have grown ourselves through education and without any support from government.

To support the above facts, please see some points from the Economic survey 2009 of Kerala Government: (Source (http://www.keralaplanningboard.org/html/eco_2009/2009_ch_3.pdf))

1) Pathanamthitta has a per capita income of Rs 42166 (It is 5th among the districts. Top 4 districts are: Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur)
2) It is 4th in case of growth in per capita income (Top 3 districts: Ernakulam, Thrissur, Alappuzha)
3) Among the districts, Pathanamthitta had the lowest decadal (1991-2001) growth rate of population of 3.72%. (Government appreciated this achievement by reducing the number of assembly constituencies from 8 to 5 :()
4) District-wise analysis shows that the highest sex ratio of 1094 is in Pathanamthitta District.

Also Pathanamthitta is the first polio-free district in India.

In the economic survey we can see that in the case of Gross State Domestic Product, Pathanamthitta stands at 11th position. This is only because of the negligence shown to us by the Government.

So I strongly beleive that Pathanamthitta is comparable with Kottayam and is not a backward district….

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 11:06 AM

PTA is soon going to have a MC and a cooperative engg. college.

Thiruvalla Bus terminal modernisation got approval recently.

PTA has got 3 industrial parks, all by KINFRA, which is a state Govt. promoted agency
• Rubber park at Ranni
• Food park at Konni
• Small industriaes park at Adoor

Please remember all these projects are only in papers as of now....
Cooperative engineering college is not comparable with government college. There are not much differences between a private college and cooperative college.

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 11:08 AM

PTA has got a PSU – It’s a cable manufacturing unit.

Thank you for finding one PSU at Pathanamthitta. How big is this? I have heard about this. It is located at Thiruvalla. Has anybody heard about this before?.

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 11:11 AM

What about the more important Kottayam KSRTC bus terminal?

Kottayam doesn’t have even a single Industrial park. All the rubber based units are owned privately and situated in various regions.
Recently Govt. sanctioned 8 new PSU’s – check over yourself whether Kottayam got anything.
All of them went to Alp and Malabar.

Compare Kottayam with other districts with tier 3 cities as HQs (and also Kasaragod, which is not a tier 3 city HQ district), in the following areas

•Indoor stadium / Inclusion in National Games (Palakkad and Kasaragod weren’t included in NG but foundation stone for Indoor stadium in these places have been laid recently.
Our Indoor stadium, which is 2+ decades old demand, still remains a distant dream. (Minister MVK njangale Sherikkum Pattichu - 'Kali' Manthri Nnjagale Sherikkum 'Kalippichu' :lol:.)
• IT park
• New PSUs
• Revival of existing PSUs
• Central Govt. Educational institutions
• Central Govt. Industrial Units.
* Other Educational institutions under state Govt.
• New mega Tourism projects (even, the tourism at Kumarakom wasn’t an initiative of any Govt. )
Etc. etc. and more.

Any answer now?

Ask your representatives.........

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:13 AM

Please remember all these projects are only in papers as of now....
Cooperative engineering college is not comparable with government college. There are not much differences between a private college and cooperative college.

many of the state Govt. engg. colleges don't have much facilities.

No Kiran chetta, these are not in papers.

Rubber park is upcoming. Also another small industries park is coming up at Kunnamthanam. LINK (http://kinfra.org/upcomingnew.htm)

Small industries park at Adoor is already there. Follow the link - Kinfra.org > Projects (http://kinfra.org/index.htm)
Food park was inaugurated in 2009. LINK (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/02/16/stories/2009021650471300.htm)

Also, please check whether there's any mention of 'any' 'park' in any place in Kottayam district in Kinfra's website.

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:14 AM

Ask your representatives.........

I need not ask. This is the truth.

Also, since PTA district with its HQs falls is in the lower tier, let it start with such projects like MC, etc. which Kottayam has now.

Kottayam has to catch up with other cities in its league.

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:17 AM

Hi Krishna,

As we are talking about location of airport, it is apt to compare Pathanamthitta with Kottayam. And I am talking about Pathanamthitta district not only Pathanamthitta town. You also have to remember Thiruvalla, the NRI town as well when considering the status of cities. Also the district level offices are split among these two towns. Pathanamthitta district cannot be comparable with Kasargod, except in the case of age. Even though we don't have any industries, it is not a backward district.

It is one among the top districts in case of education and per capita income (Thanks to the income from NRIs). Quality of life is good in this district. Literally there is no unemployment existing in this district. The NRIs in this district are contributing heavily to bring up the status of the society they belong to. If you travel through this district you can see good houses and clean surroundings every where. We have grown ourselves through education and without any support from government.

To support the above facts, please see some points from the Economic survey 2009 of Kerala Government: (Source (http://www.keralaplanningboard.org/html/eco_2009/2009_ch_3.pdf))

1) Pathanamthitta has a per capita income of Rs 42166 (It is 5th among the districts. Top 4 districts are: Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur)
2) It is 4th in case of growth in per capita income (Top 3 districts: Ernakulam, Thrissur, Alappuzha)
3) Among the districts, Pathanamthitta had the lowest decadal (1991-2001) growth rate of population of 3.72%. (Government appreciated this achievement by reducing the number of assembly constituencies from 8 to 5)
4) District-wise analysis shows that the highest sex ratio of 1094 is in Pathanamthitta District.

Also Pathanamthitta is the first polio-free district in India.

In the economic survey we can see that in the case of Gross State Domestic Product, Pathanamthitta stands at 11th position. This is only because of the negligence shown to us by the Government.

So I strongly beleive that Pathanamthitta is comparable with Kottayam and is not a backward district….

I didn't say 'PTA' is backward wrt social index, but interms of industries etc. , just like Kottayam is.

I was supporting you, but you did't understand my point.

Aslesh

June 7th, 2010, 11:19 AM

If you people already have a high per capita income then why you need development projects?. ;)

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 11:20 AM

Also, if you are citing ‘Sabarimala’ as the reason, it must be kept in mind that more than 95 % who visit Sabarimala every year, from other states come and go by train. Otherwise, the passenger traffic at both CIAL and TIA would be well above 50 lakh, every year.

I mentioned Sabarimala to emphasize the importance of Pathanamthitta, not as an advantage for Aranmula airport. But I would like to invite your attention to a news item appeared in Feb 2010: (Source (http://beta.thehindu.com/news/article106339.ece))

Reliance ADAG chairman Anil Ambani and his mother Kokilaben Ambani flew into the Nedumbassery airport from Mumbai by 5 p.m. on Saturday, and reached Pathanamthitta within an hour by chartered helicopter, on their way to the Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

He came to Nedumbassery by his private jet and parked it there. If Aranmula airport were there, he could have parked his flight there. Like that many big shots (eg Vijay Mallya) visit Sabarimala every year. So they can park their private jets at Aranmula and can go to Sabarimala. This will generate revenue for the airport.

Another fact is that, earlier Sabarimala pilgrims were mainly from southern districts. And they were using road and rail. Now the popularity of Sabarimala is increasing to new areas like North India and countries like Srilanka and Malaysia. (A minister from Malaysia is a frequent visitor in Sabarimala. Malaysia had shown interest to fund the Sabarimala road project, but lack of support from Kerala govt hindered the project).
How can the pilgrims from North India and other countries depend only on road and railway? During the Sabarimala season, there can be chartered flights to Aranmula. Also the people from Karnataka and Andhra will be ready to come by flight if there is a facility. And the flight ticket will be too small, if you compare the spending of pilgrims at Sabarimala as offerings. So ultimately it is advantageous to Aranmula....

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:21 AM

Thank you for finding one PSU at Pathanamthitta. How big is this? I have heard about this. It is located at Thiruvalla. Has anybody heard about this before?.

Okay, it's better than the loss making Travancore cements which is working as a 'dredging company' presently.

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:23 AM

If you people already have a high per capita income then why you need development projects?. ;)

We have high per capita income because a good number of people work in places like USA, Europe etc.

because there's not any employment opportunity in our own places, 'thanks to the great infrastructure we've got' and the attitude of Govt., people are forced to go to other places. ;)

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 11:25 AM

Kiru_PTA

June 7th, 2010, 11:30 AM

I need not ask. This is the truth.

Also, since PTA district with its HQs falls is in the lower tier, let it start with such projects like MC, etc. which Kottayam has now.

Kottayam has to catch up with other cities in its league.

I don't agree with you Krishana in this case....
I know Kottayam is a great district with lots of firsts in its credit....
Also I have seen other districts which were far behind Kottayam over taking it. So why you are saying only to Pathanmthitta that we should not try to compete with Kottayam. Please remember that an airport won't make us eligible for that....

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:31 AM

I mentioned Sabarimala to emphasize the importance of Pathanamthitta, not as an advantage for Aranmula airport. But I would like to invite your attention to a news item appeared in Feb 2010: (Source (http://beta.thehindu.com/news/article106339.ece))

He came to Nedumbassery by his private jet and parked it there. If Aranmula airport were there, he could have parked his flight there. Like that many big shots (eg Vijay Mallya) visit Sabarimala every year. So they can park their private jets at Aranmula and can go to Sabarimala. This will generate revenue for the airport.

Another fact is that, earlier Sabarimala pilgrims were mainly from southern districts. And they were using road and rail. Now the popularity of Sabarimala is increasing to new areas like North India and countries like Srilanka and Malaysia. (A minister from Malaysia is a frequent visitor in Sabarimala. Malaysia had shown interest to fund the Sabarimala road project, but lack of support from Kerala govt hindered the project).
How can the pilgrims from North India and other countries depend only on road and railway? During the Sabarimala season, there can be chartered flights to Aranmula. Also the people from Karnataka and Andhra will be ready to come by flight if there is a facility. And the flight ticket will be too small, if you compare the spending of pilgrims at Sabarimala as offerings. So ultimately it is advantageous to Aranmula....

I've read the news already. Still not many people visiting Sabarimala will come by air, because ' the peculiarity of Sabarimala Dharshan is like that.

Now If you are taking Erumeli also into consideration, places south of Kottayam town also can be advantageous.
Because most of the pilgrims first pay visit to Erumeli and then to Sabarimala.

Except few richies like Vijay Mallya, Vivek Oberai, I don't think many such celebrities come to Sabrimala, that too every year.

If you are saying like that, every year, many such people would go to some or the other places, some come to Kumarakom, some go to Thekkady, some go to vagamon, some go to Peerumedu etc. So, does that mean we should construct airport in all these places?

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:35 AM

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 11:42 AM

I don't agree with you Krishana in this case....
I know Kottayam is a great district with lots of firsts in its credit....Also I have seen other districts which were far behind Kottayam over taking it. So why you are saying only to Pathanmthitta that we should not try to compete with Kottayam. Please remember that an airport won't make us eligible for that....

Ultimately, we'll be forced to keep boasting about these 'firsts' while others will 'make fun of us' saying they've IIT, Technocity, VSSC, ESI Medical College,
English and Foreign language institute, Aranmula airport, Coach factory, Ambalappuzha IT park, LNG terminal, world class university, Science city, Medical varsity, Kannur airport, Ponnani port, Aligarh Muslim university, BEML unit, HAL unit, Central Varsity, mega tourism projects, beypore port, Cyber park etc... etc.. etc.........

Aslesh

June 7th, 2010, 12:41 PM

We have high per capita income because a good number of people work in places like USA, Europe etc.

because there's not any employment opportunity in our own places, 'thanks to the great infrastructure we've got' and the attitude of Govt., people are forced to got to other places. ;)

That is the case of any place in Kerala. Still you have managed to have high per capita income. Then you complain that places like kasargod is getting more projects. The fact is that they didn't get any project for the past 60 years. Let the government give priority to poor people.

I don't think any other kottayamite than a few like our Krishna has got complaints against lack of development in Kottayam. The fact is that most of the people in Central travancore are ready to leave their homeland forever if they get a visa to Europe or USA. Then they will make a visit for a marriage or some other function to see their village with natural beauty preserved as it was.

Don't say that NRIs left here due to lack of opportunities. The reality is that they want to make more money than they could have made from here. They can never make that much amount from here even if any development project happens.

vinod_2007

June 7th, 2010, 01:02 PM

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 01:18 PM

That is the case of any place in Kerala. Still you have managed to have high per capita

income. Then you complain that places like kasargod is getting more projects. The fact is that they didn't get any

project for the past 60 years. Let the government give priority to poor people.

I don't think any other kottayamite than a few like our Krishna has got complaints against lack of development in

Kottayam. The fact is that most of the people in Central travancore are ready to leave their homeland forever if

they get a visa to Europe or USA. Then they will make a visit for a marriage or some other function to see their

village with natural beauty preserved as it was.

Don't say that NRIs left here due to lack of opportunities. The reality is that they want to make more money than

they could have made from here. They can never make that much amount from here even if any development project

happens.

Nice Joke - If they already had all these facilities, atleast some people wouldn't not have left.

Is this a reason to deny development to a place?

Who said everyone is ready to go? Only some families have settled as such in USA, Europe etc.
A good no: of youngsters leave for work and still send money back home and later come back. for their families,

inlcuding nurses working in US, Europe etc..

If you theory is right, how come there'll be 20 lakh people in Kottayam district, around 12 lakh in Pathanamthitta

district, 20 lakh in ALp and around 10 lakh people in Idukki.

Now, many rich families from these places prefer to settle in neighbouring cities like Cochin etc. because these

places offer better opportunities. (i'm not saying Kottayam should become like Mumbai, but atleast a resonable

development should be there.)

There are many places in India, for eg:- Punjab, where a good number of people have settled in London. Does that

mean there are no people left in punjab?

kasaragod district itself was formed on 1985. There were already few industries like some transformer making PSU...
It already has a Kinfra park. It has an eng. college started by Govt. (LBS engg. college )And in the last few years, It got bumper.

For Kottayam, the 5-6 projects we got came in different decades.

And one more thing, there are a good no: of people from Kannur, KGD etc working in Gulf. The 'heavy NRI population', tourism development,lack of development were the reasons cited for the need for an airport in Kannur.

If your theory that 'there's enough opportuinity here itself', then why
do we need more IT parks, industries etc. if it is sufficient. according to you theory.

Those who want to leave, will leave, but not everyone. If they can make a lot of money here itself, they'll do that also.

That's why many people in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts still depend on rubber sector.

Also, I can only see people in SSC making lot of hue and cry for development,
most people don't care at all. But once development starts coming up,
people will become more aware, and then would start demanding for more. ;)

Only passionate people come across forums like SSC. That's how people like you and me and others are here. ;)

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 03:13 PM

Awesome one... Aslesh.. I dedicate that to all NRI who says what will you do if you return to India.. :D

Krishna... I'm not against to any airport Kottayam or Pathanamthitta... Since it's within our state.. It's all the same..

But there are lot many things than Airports....

So please close this and lets speak about the other developments in kottayam..

No Vinod, I didn't mean you. But there are some other people who don't want to see Kottayam to have an airport, but will not openly express it.

But I don't have any problem with them. Everyone has got their own viewpoint but some people are very :ohno:, sorry to say this.

Okay, for the time being I'm closing this chapter.

But I want to reply to 'arunpr's ' statements but since the discussion would become never ending, I'm stopping now.

@arunpr - 'Please don't think that we'll get fooled next time. We don't want to see LDF coming to power next time. Even though I'd like to see V.N.Vasavan (CPM) to win from Kottayam constituency and 'Oommen Chandy' to become CM. Okay?

I was waiting for an opportunity to comment on your blind support to CPM. I wanted to reply in detail. I've got all facts and proves for these.

This LDF Govt. has done enough damages to Kottayam's development.

The hub and spoke model IT development were UDF's idea, including the 'Technocity' at Trivandrum. LDF intelligently omitted Kottayam from IT park development.

If you want more explanation, I'll PM you. But no discussion on this matter anymore, in this 'Kottayam projects thread'.

This is my view - If somebody doesn't like it, no need to accept it but please don't drag this issue any further.

(BTW, I'm neither a CPM supporter nor a congress supporter.)

I'm stopping here.

sudheeshnairs

June 7th, 2010, 05:51 PM

^^Guys, would it be better if we avoid discussions like this, which will never yeild any result? Only job it will do is to clutter the thread and make others not to visit this thread.

Krishna, there is point in what Aslesh & Arun said.

Secondly, please understand that Foriegn remittances are not taken in to account for GDP calculations, eventhough it will have ripple effects in case of consumption. But being the population of Kottayam being comparably lesser, this will also have less impact.

Kottayam is more of a plantation district, largest contributor to Rubber production. Recently there was an news item saying that last year the turnover from Rubber was 10000 crores. It has less population density too

And one more thing, what Aslesh told about NRIs is also true. Those who are in good professions esp in Europe/USA have less chance of coming back. It is not always true that people migrate since they have no satisfied career & personal life in a place. They migrate for much more revenue as well as career prospect. And Kottayam or Pathanamthitta has 'pravasi's of that like when compared with those from say Malabar who are mostly in Gulf regions.

sakrishna

June 7th, 2010, 06:35 PM

^^
Okay Sudeeshetta. Agreed,

I agree with arunpr, Asleshettan and Sudeeeshettan to some extent, though some points and viewpoints of them aren't correct though.

Agreed, mine is also not correct fully.

Anyway, Let us set our differences aside and move forward.

Conclusion: Development creates enemity and jealousy :lol:

arunpr

June 7th, 2010, 07:13 PM

I was waiting for an opportunity to comment on your blind support to CPM. I wanted to reply in detail. I've got all facts and proves for these.

This LDF Govt. has done enough damages to Kottayam's development.

The hub and spoke model IT development were UDF's idea, including the 'Technocity' at Trivandrum. LDF intelligently omitted Kottayam from IT park development.

If you want more explanation, I'll PM you. But no discussion on this matter anymore, in this 'Kottayam projects thread'.

This is my view - If somebody doesn't like it, no need to accept it but please don't drag this issue any further.

(BTW, I'm neither a CPM supporter nor a congress supporter.)

I'm stopping here.

Krishna, Please send me the proofs by mail. I will reply.

I dont think hub and spoke is an idea of UDF/LDF. It is the idea proposed by some of the CEOs like Kris Gopalakrishnan, VK Mathews etc who had interactions with the government(While framing IT policy in 2006/2007) and they suggested the govt about this. They cautioned the govt about the situations which happened in Bangalore. Concentration of companies in one place resulted in mass migration from all other places which increased the salaries of IT professionals. Due to this, companies have a very high attritieon rat and there are lot of infrastrucre issues too due to the mass migration. So companies are forced to move out of other tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Even states like Karnataka is also spreading IT from Bangalore to other cities. But it was not very successfull in karnataka. Lets see whether it will be a success or not in kerala.

About IT Park
-------------
Government is planning an IT park in Kozha near Kuravilangad. Mons Joseph (MLA & Ex Minister) was the person who was in charge of this. As per my knowledge, this land is a farm land and there are opposition against giving this land to the IT department. If IT department gets this land, then they will surely set up an IT park in Kottayam. So the ball is in the court of the people of Kottayam, especially the local administration, MLA, MP etc. They have to provide land to the IT department. Then only govt can start an IT park.

Land acquisition is always a big problem in Kottayam compared to other districts. People of kottayam are not ready to give land for the sabari rail also. MLAs like PC Goerge doesnt want to split the rubber estates. So they are opposing Sabari rail. Land acquisition in Ernakulam district is almost completed. But it has not yet started in Kottayam district. Railway has already changed the alignment so many times.

Reghu

June 8th, 2010, 04:03 AM

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 07:13 AM

Absolutely True, Aslesh. This is the case with Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. Most of the Malayalees in US, Canada are from Kottayam, Pathanamthitha and Idukki districts. The migration has happend since 1940s due to missionary contacts in the West. I think most of these NRIs have become US or Canadian citizens. I do not think their future generations will plan and settle down in any of the Kerala city or village. They are visiting Kerala just for picnic or tour to refresg thier minds. If the trend continous the Central Travencore will be belt of aged people. No offense Sai. This is a fact. I think it will be better if we conclude the discussion and focus on real time development issues.

Reghu bhai. I've high regard for Asleshettan, and I agree with most of his viewpoints but except for these three points-

1. Why there's need for development in C.T because there's high per capita income

2. Most of us are ready to leave our places forever.

3. There's enough opportunity.

As you rightly said, because there are not much employment opportunities here, the youngsters are forced to leave in search of jobs to other places, and gradually there'll be only old people left. So this is the exact reason for the demand for development in our places.

Also, because there's no 'real time development' happening in Kottayam presently (like MEMU shed, IT park, Titanium sponge factory, new stadiums etc as in Kollam), we don't have anything to discuss here, except about the opening of few jewellery shops, textile showrooms etc. which are happening everywhere in Kerala.

'Samayam pokande, Athinanu ee ochappadokke'. :lol:

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 07:27 AM

Krishna, Please send me the proofs by mail. I will reply.

I dont think hub and spoke is an idea of UDF/LDF. It is the idea proposed by some of the CEOs like Kris Gopalakrishnan, VK Mathews etc who had interactions with the government(While framing IT policy in 2006/2007) and they suggested the govt about this. They cautioned the govt about the situations which happened in Bangalore. Concentration of companies in one place resulted in mass migration from all other places which increased the salaries of IT professionals. Due to this, companies have a very high attritieon rat and there are lot of infrastrucre issues too due to the mass migration. So companies are forced to move out of other tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Even states like Karnataka is also spreading IT from Bangalore to other cities. But it was not very successfull in karnataka. Lets see whether it will be a success or not in kerala.

About IT Park
-------------
Government is planning an IT park in Kozha near Kuravilangad. Mons Joseph (MLA & Ex Minister) was the person who was in charge of this. As per my knowledge, this land is a farm land and there are opposition against giving this land to the IT department. If IT department gets this land, then they will surely set up an IT park in Kottayam. So the ball is in the court of the people of Kottayam, especially the local administration, MLA, MP etc. They have to provide land to the IT department. Then only govt can start an IT park.

Land acquisition is always a big problem in Kottayam compared to other districts. People of kottayam are not ready to give land for the sabari rail also. MLAs like PC Goerge doesnt want to split the rubber estates. So they are opposing Sabari rail. Land acquisition in Ernakulam district is almost completed. But it has not yet started in Kottayam district. Railway has already changed the alignment so many times.

Okay sir:

First let me clarify few things -

When I said the hub and spoke model is an idea of UDF, what I meant was it's UDF who actually tried to implement the same but they were too late by then and later got defeated in the election in 2006.

Also,Techocity in Trivandrum was started by UDF and not LDF, I think you've a misconception that it's an initiative of the present Govt. If you don't have, it's good.

Now about your observation that people of Kottayam are opposed to development:

Please go through the following news that came in 'Mathrubhumi' few months ago:

http://item.slide.com/r/1/22/i/TvUkxb6s7T-2N3QsjOPQsPlm93O4ollv/

Any answer now?

I'll give some more evidence on this and other projects and my views regarding this and previous Govt.. More to be followed soon

Binoj_viswam

June 9th, 2010, 07:36 AM

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 08:52 AM

Krishna 1st u list down the contribution of Ummen chandi and Mani towards the development kottayam. (Do remember the pathetic condition roads and other infrastructure in puthuppally!!!). Then we can discuss abt so called negligence of LDF

Ithu Kollaam. I don't know why people get agitated about my disliking for this LDF Govt. I'm not forcing anyone to like UDF or LDF.

If you lke LDF, let it be like that, but don't try to impose anything on me. Okay?

We know that most of the previous Govt.s used to consider only Kochi and TVM for major development projects. Even the Malabar area, which always used to make a lot fuss about negligence,had many important leaders/ministers in all the previous Govts. And why didn't they bring any development to their places?

The people of malabar always used to compare their places with TVM and Kochi and had an impression that the whole South Kerala was developing rapidly while they were lagging behind.

While this Govt. started focussing on all places including the so-called 'backward' Malabar (which in now way can be called backward if compared to Central Travancore in terms of development), they didn't choose the districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki for any major projects, even for those sanctioned by the Central Govt.

The same is applicable to Kollam also, OKAY?

Whatever little Kottayam got was brought by OC / UDF.

Now your question about major accomplishments of Oommen Chandy -

*Govt. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in 1991

* K.R. Narayanan Institute of Visual Science and Arts (in honour of late K.R.Narayanan), for which foundation stone was laid in 2006 Jan but the project never took off once the LDF Govt came to power.)

* He tried to bring satellite IT parks to Kannur, Trichur, Kozhikode and Kottayam when he was CM. And now we know what happened to Kottayam IT park project.

Mani's accomplishments:

*Ettumanoor Poonjar Highway

*Meenachil River valley project, another project sabotaged by this LDF Govt.

Binoj_viswam

June 9th, 2010, 09:00 AM

hahaha its a great joke. starting a college is no more a great achievement, nor with a road(that too served the district for 40+ years). Current LDF have not concentrated much on Kottayam because they dont have any minister from the district. thats all.

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 09:08 AM

hahaha its a great joke. starting a college is no more a great achievement, nor with a road. Current LDF have not concentrated much on Kottayam because they dont have any minister from the district. thats all.

I talked about road becuase you mentioned about the conditions of roads in Puthupally.

This is an even better joke.

Does 'Kasaragod' have any minister (.i.e any minister from Kasaragod district)? And we could see kasaragod getting enough attention under this Govt.

I suppose these so-called ministers are for Kerala as a whole and not for their districts.

As MLAs, its okay, but once they find a place in the cabinet, it's not right to focus only on their places/districts or regions especially wrt to the portfolio they handle.

Then what right does this Govt. have got to complaint on 'Centre's negligence'? while the Kerala Govt. itself is constantly neglecting Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and idukki.

Binoj_viswam

June 9th, 2010, 09:29 AM

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 10:11 AM

Dont compare kasarkode with Kottayam. We need to give special attention kasarkode as same way Federal Govt gives attention to J&K

U R so much worried about the IT park. Local bodies could not identify land for IT Park . thats the reason Y its has not kick started. Where ever land has been identified and given to IT mission, they have established IT parks.

The Bottom line is UDF could not bring single major development to kottayam even after being supported by its people for last 50 years. LDF is no better but not bad.

I was not comparing Kottayam and Kasaragod as such. But your statement that 'because there's no minister from Kottayam, so no development' is not the right reason.

You are beating around the bush.

I'm not just worried about IT park alone, there are many other projects which Kottayam deserve but have been denied ruthlessly by this Govt.

About the suitability of land for IT park, please go through the news item I posted in the last page and then comment.

If it had been the case with IT park alone, I'd not have complained. But why is it that those districts which are getting enough attention in other areas also had been sanctioned IT park, being included in national games, identified for Central Govt. projects while Kottayam got neglected in all these fields?

Was it 'pure coincidence' or because 'people of Kottayam oppose development' or 'Kottayam doesn't have any minister?

I just can't understand why they are unable to find any place for any project in this district having 2208 sq. km area.

All these shows the sincerity of the Govt. towards Kottayam.

Because you said that UDF could not do anything for Kottayam in the last 50 years, let me tell you one thing: most of the ministers/representatives from Kannur district belonged to CPM.
What did they do for Kannur when LDF/CPM was in power, during the last 3-4 decades?

Also,people of Kottayam had supported and elected representatives from CPM/LDF as well, not just UDF, eventhough UDF had been supported most of the times.

You used to worry a lot regarding Kollam's undevelopment till few years ago? And now there's no complaint. Hmm......

RKPV

June 9th, 2010, 10:23 AM

hey,here i have one question.

Apart from Technopark and Info park, what our government did last 3-4 decades for Kerala...???

No major one - see KSTP was funded by ADB.
Vallarpadam -A central govt project.
CIAL is a private entity.

what else? Co-op institutions? KTDC ?

I believe,Kochi,Kozhikode,kannur or Kottayam, all grown by its own potential and NRI investments.

vinod_2007

June 9th, 2010, 10:30 AM

Dont compare kasarkode with Kottayam. We need to give special attention kasarkode as same way Federal Govt gives attention to J&K

U R so much worried about the IT park. Local bodies could not identify land for IT Park . thats the reason Y its has not kick started. Where ever land has been identified and given to IT mission, they have established IT parks.

The Bottom line is UDF could not bring single major development to kottayam even after being supported by its people for last 50 years. LDF is no better but not bad.

Krishna... You had a deal with me.. to stop such conversations and have healthy decsions..

As i have told earlier Central Kerala and Malabar region was neglected in Major part of kerala's political history.. Some project to Calicut was just some expessions.. Today Government have seen inter state spilts and issues like Andra and North/South karnataka.. etc.. know the consequence of developing a particluar region...

I don't think that will be happening any more... If few district is not considered during a particular year then next year it will have something or the other according to the importance....

I personaly think the concept of development within india is taken in the wrong sense... We think of multistoried buildings/IT parks airports as the symbols of development...

Take the case of most cities in Europe... you might not even see the multistoried buildings as that of Mumbai.. but they will have all modern facilities, a gud standard of living and will look beautiful....

Kerala with such a beautiful geography should make moves to change the face of kerala unique...

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 10:38 AM

hey,here i have one question.

Apart from Technopark and Info park, what our government did last 3-4 decades for Kerala...???

No major one - see KSTP was funded by world bank.
Vallarpadam -A central govt project.
CIAL is a private entity.

what else? Co-op institutions? KTDC ?

One can easily get a picture regarding the sincerity of this Govt. towards various districts?

Whether some projects are Centrally funded or not is not the problem here.

But It's the sincerity of the present state Govt. toward Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki.

for eg:- IIT, for which the Govt. is now looking for land in Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Trichur and Palakkad., all these districts/ regions already have prestigious institutions.

The proposed World class university university would be set up in Trichur.

Palakkad is industrially developed a lot and Malabar has prestigious institutes like NIT, IIM, Naval Academy, NIFT, upcoming Aligarh university, Central varsity etc.

Trivandrum has IIST, IISER, Sree Chitra etc.

The reason given by the state Govt is that IIT can be set up only in those places which are within 30 Kms from their nearest airport.

This is a big lie - The upcoming IIT Hyderabad campus at Medak is about 110 Kms from Hyderabad airport at Shamshabad.

So what does all these mean?

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 10:41 AM

Krishna... You had a deal with me.. to stop such conversations and have healthy decsions..

As i have told earlier Central Kerala and Malabar region was neglected in Major part of kerala's political history.. Some project to Calicut was just some expessions.. Today Government have seen inter state spilts and issues like Andra and North/South karnataka.. etc.. know the consequence of developing a particluar region...

I don't think that will be happening any more... If few district is not considered during a particular year then next year it will have something or the other according to the importance....

I personaly think the concept of development within india is taken in the wrong sense... We think of multistoried buildings/IT parks airports as the symbols of development...

Take the case of most cities in Europe... you might not even see the multistoried buildings as that of Mumbai.. but they will have all modern facilities, a gud standard of living and will look beautiful....

Kerala with such a beautiful geography should make moves to change the face of kerala unique...

Okay Vinod, I'm stopping here. :cheers:

Emerging_Quilon

June 9th, 2010, 02:24 PM

vinod_2007

June 9th, 2010, 03:09 PM

Binoj, you said the point. Thammil Bhedam Achu Mamma Thanne! Ommanum Thommanum Kasera mathram mathi..

Please Avoid politics and names...

arunpr

June 9th, 2010, 03:52 PM

Ithu Kollaam. I don't know why people get agitated about my disliking for this LDF Govt. I'm not forcing anyone to like UDF or LDF.

If you lke LDF, let it be like that, but don't try to impose anything on me. Okay?

Now your question about major accomplishments of Oommen Chandy -

*Govt. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in 1991

* K.R. Narayanan Institute of Visual Science and Arts (in honour of late K.R.Narayanan), for which foundation stone was laid in 2006 Jan but the project never took off once the LDF Govt came to power.)

* He tried to bring satellite IT parks to Kannur, Trichur, Kozhikode and Kottayam when he was CM. And now we know what happened to Kottayam IT park project.

Mani's accomplishments:

*Ettumanoor Poonjar Highway

*Meenachil River valley project, another project sabotaged by this LDF Govt.

(Having said that, I also admit that I am not an admirer of Mani)

Oommen Chandy is the person who tried to sell Infopark for throw away prices. He quoted the reason as "Government doesnt have finds to start and develop IT parks". How can you say that he took the initiative to construct the new IT park in other places ? There is no logic in it. Please give me the proof for this. If that was the case, then he wouldnt have planned to sell Infopark to TECOM.

Due to this TECOM, OC didnt give land to TCS to start a campus in Infopark. They asked for 50 acres and he didnt give the land to them. In 2007, present LDF govt gave land to TCS. By that time, TCS had already started construction of Pune campus. So they took only 11 acres in Kochi.

OC wanted to give land and Infopark to TECOM. If land was given to TCS, then they wud have constructed a bigger campus in Kochi. Now they contructed a big campus in Pune. So Oommen Chandy is the person who destroyed the development of Infopark also. But UDF govt did lot for IT in kerala from 2001-2004 during AK Antonys rule(Although Kunjalikuttys GIM was an utter flop). UDF started operations of Infopark in 2004. AK Antony personally went and invited companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro to kerala and all these companies started operations in Kerala. I really thank AK Antony for his efforts. I still remember AK Antonys visit to places like Infosys, Bangalore. So it is not LDF or UDF. Everybody supported AK Antonys efforts. Now also he is doing a lot for kerala and LDF also supports that.

Now also, no private company came to start IT parks in kerala. It is the same case in other states like Karnataka also. No private players are interested to contruct IT park in places like Belgaum, Hubli, Shimoga and all. So govt is contructing there. In Kochi, Govt allotted land to RMZ. But work has not yet started. Since private investment in less, present LDF govt increased the fund allocation for IT department and started IT parks in almost all the places in Kerala. They could able to successfully start IT parks in kerala during this recession time also.

I agree with the point of TechnoCity. It is started by him only. But that was just an announcement only, an "election stunt". No land were acquired. Even Smart City was also an announcement. No land were acquired. Present govt only acquired land for Smart City and TechnoCity. Now Government spent around 370 crores for the land acquisition for TechnoCity. OC cud have constructed Smart City in Kochi with that money(His claim was no money in govts hand and now govt spent 370 crores only for land).

Ommen Chandy is the worst CM kerala has ever seen. If Ommen Chandy becomes the CM after next elections, then government will be in a stand still from 2011-2016. I pray this shudnt happen. OC will only sell each and every part of kerala to companies like TECOM. Now TECOM want Ommen Chandy to become the CM in 2011. Thats why they are not backing out from Smart City project or starting the project. They are planning to grab more land with the same money they have invested in Smart City. They might have already made a deal with Ommen Chandy. People of kerala should not encourage land grabbers like TECOM and Ommen Chandy. TECOM did a land grabbing in Malta and they will complete the contruction of first phase in Oct 2010, 1 lakh sq feet of IT space in 6 years. What a gaint company ??

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 06:43 PM

arunpr

June 9th, 2010, 07:43 PM

^^
All these I know. That's why I support Achu mama in this case. So all these should be attributed to Achumama. It's because he was the only one who actively fought against this Smart city deal and did anyone else from CPM raise any voice against this?

Pinarayi Vijayan wanted to be the CM but God saved Kerala in the form of 'Lavalin Scam'. When he understood that he can no more become CM, he didn't want Achumama to become CM. But people of Kerala were with Achumama.

People have lot of misconceptions about CPIM, VS Pinarayi and all. I am writing this just to clear those misconceptions. I want to clear your doubts too. I also agree that achuthanandan was the first who opposed the Smart City project. Most of the party members doesnt wanted to oppose a project from Dubai. They also collect party funds from gulf too and trying to attract investors from gulf. There are people with different opinions in CPIM. Thats why CPIM didnt oppose it initally. When the agreement came out, then party also opposed it due to terms which are against the state. Party was not interested to oppose it by calling it as a real estate company. So party waited for the agreement

Pinarayi intelligently took away the 'home minister portfolio' from Achumama. If that hadn't happened, Achumama would have become the terminator of all other morons in CPM itself.

Even CBI cudnt find that Pinarayi made any money from this deal. Even Achuthanandan also had lot of bad remarks like this. Medias used to call him as "Vetti Nirathal person who destroys farm lands". Now media is using SNC lavlin against Pinarayi also like this. But CBI cannot able to find anything, as Pinarayi didnt do anything wrong. After the verdict, we will discuss further

Pinarayi intelligently took away the 'home minister portfolio' from Achumama. If that hadn't happened, Achumama would have become the terminator of all other morons in CPM itself.

CPIM is fighting in places like Kannur against extremists like RSS and Muslim League. So CPIM surely want to save the comrades in Kannur. VS is not much involved in Kannur politics and so they wanted a person from Kannur as the Home minister. CPIM doesnt want to use the police against those comrades who stand & fight against extremist forces. In Kannur many CPIM workers have lost life to prevent communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.

BTW there are very few politicians who are nearly perfect like Sudheeran, Antony etc.

I also agree

But there are NO:1 criminals in the red party itself- Pinarayi, Kodiyeri, EP Jayarajan, Shrimati and the likes.

All these are media creation. Dont believe in this. Media doesnt like them as they talk against media

BTW, Who told land acquisition for TC didn't start under OC's regime regime? You are wrong. Please google yourself and find.

I agree

You are of the opinion that only the previous UDF Govt. played election stunt.
Next time, If CPM comes to power, it'll be Pinarayi Vijayan who is most likely to become CM. Else it'll be someone who's most loyal to him.
Pinne Nokkikko, Keralathe Kuttichorakkum. But this time he'd be really
careful, he'll make money closing even the smallest loopholes.
CPM has done lot of 'Bucket piriv' from the ordinary people and now see where the ordinary people's party have reached? They are thinking about luxury hotels, theme parks etc. Playing with ordinary people's money.
According to you, every commie leader is perfect.
Is there any commie leader imperfect according to you? (You can give me the answer through PM, not in this thread).
How this 'Thozhilali party' is able to start 'luxury' hotels, palatial party offices etc.[B] Mind you, luxury is not something that a true communist should vye for. It's against the 'Prathyayashasthram'. So much for the people's party.

Now you may say that Pinarayi Vijayan hasn't made any money from Lavalin Scam. He might have done that intelligenly, closing all the loop holes.

(The verdict came recently stated that there's no evidence against Pinarayi. Budhimaan.
In how many cases which involved politicans, we've seen them getting punished?)

(You can give the answers for these through PM, not in this thread).

I just wanted to let everyone know the negligence shown by this Govt. towards Kottayam and you made it a CPM/Congress issue.

Now, please stop this political discussion in this thread. I myself have cluttered this thread a lot and don't want to carry this forward.

CBI already told tha Pinarayi didnt get any money from this deal. I also agree that kerala govt might have lost money. There was no tender and that was the reason for kerala govts loss. In the present Smart City project also, if tender was there then govt cud have got a better deal. But we cannnot blame the govts, because the main intention was the creation of IT jobs in Kerala. Same was the case in SNC lavlin too. Govt wanted to finish the work very fast. At that time, BHEL kind of companies were not efficient to execute that project. That cud be the reason why Karthikeyan or UDF govt didnt go for a tender. Mr AK Antonys ministry invited this company to kerala. It was not Pinarayi Vjayan. PV implemented the project in a fast pace.

Who told u that party contructed hotels ot theme parks? It is another media creation. See the website of Vismaaya PArk. It is working under a coperative society formed under EP Jayarajan as the Chairman. You can also be a member of that society. It is formed to use the money from Gulf NRIs. They are investing money in banks and they get very little returns from it. Also kerala government is also not getting much benefits. THats why CPIM party members who have influence in NRIs has taken the intiative to start these kind of societies. CPIM leaders who are MLAs or MPs or ministers are not involved in this. CPIM doesnt want to start this with government as all these projects are not implemented as big projects like CIAL. Also if congress comes in power, then might sell those societies also(Eg : infopark). But it is not possible for an indivual to start projects like Vismaya water theme parks. So if CPIM controlled societies get NRI funds, then they are ready to start projects. There is proper accountability in those projects and the money is not black. Everthing is documented and any share holder can check the holdings also. You can also be a member of the society
http://www.vismayakerala.com/about.html

There are so many coperative socities like this in kerala. Uranlungal and India Cofee houses, Dinesh Beedi all are examples. CPIM only took the initiatives for these. Vismaya park is also a similar venture. There are some industrialists want to oppsose this. They are afraid of CPIM, becuase CPIM always stand with the people, not with businessmen.

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 07:47 PM

^^

I saw your PM. Please no more discussion on this. I don't have much time to waste on this political discussion eventhough I can give a number of points against your findings about Pinarayi, 5 star hotels, co-op socities etc.

sakrishna

June 9th, 2010, 07:53 PM

arunpr

June 9th, 2010, 08:31 PM

@ Arunpr and others

Let me tell you that I don't have anything against you or others here, I appreicate your/everone's views also, I didn't mean to offend anyone.

My intention was to let everyone know about the state Govt's negligence and attitude towards Kottayam.

Sorry if I hurt you. :)

I just wanted to share the info and views which I have. Nothing hurting. No probs. Anyway lets work together to have Sabari Rail and an IT park in Kottayam asap. Any idea abt the status of transfer of land for the Kozha IT Park ?

v-8ras

June 10th, 2010, 09:08 AM

Phew. Time to take a break from all the controversies and enjoy some pictures.

Aerial view of Kottayam town!

All images taken from Orchid Hotel, Pulimoodu Junction

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/1545/photo448.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/3338/photo449b.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/2654/photo450x.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4356/photo451z.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1479/photo453v.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/93/photo454.jpg

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5923/photo455.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6668/photo456n.jpg

vinod_2007

June 10th, 2010, 11:32 AM

First Picture looked really good... More maintanece can make it look like IRELAND :D

Emerging_Quilon

June 10th, 2010, 12:04 PM

Phew. Time to take a break from all the controversies and enjoy some pictures.

Aerial view of Kottayam town!

All images taken from Orchid Hotel, Pulimoodu Junction

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/1545/photo448.jpg

This is really a gorgeous one. I love the old houses and buildings. I think they should maintain some of the city area like this. It looks like a Eurpean countryside place.

There is a place like this at Thankassery in Kollam where the Anglo Indian Village is located. Lot of old Dales, Villas, Clave..etc with good inner lane roads, trees and greenary. But, unfortunately the green cover is getting reduced due to population concetration and greedy people there.

sakrishna

June 10th, 2010, 01:01 PM

Phew. Time to take a break from all the controversies and enjoy some pictures.

Aerial view of Kottayam town!

All images taken from Orchid Hotel, Pulimoodu Junction

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/1545/photo448.jpg

Awesome pics. :bow:

The building bearing the name board is that of KC(M) party office.

But these narrow roads.....:ohno:

sakrishna

June 10th, 2010, 01:09 PM

Anyway lets work together to have Sabari Rail and an IT park in Kottayam asap. Any idea abt the status of transfer of land for the Kozha IT Park ?

About IT park: I think it's fate lies in the hands of agricultural minister now.

This is not a paddy field so it won't come under the 'wetlanad protection rule', I hope so. But it's a fact that more than 70% of the land is now lying idle.

So, an IT park can be constructed atleast in 25 acres out of the 100 acres and the rest can be utilized for farming.

About Sabari rail: few days ago, I came across a news which mentioned that the new aligment could be via 'Melukavu'.

I don't know how they got the idea to make it through this scenic place. Will they be able to lay the line without destroying the hills in the area? Hope they'll sort out the issue.

sakrishna

June 10th, 2010, 01:28 PM

Skyline Highpoint @ Muttambalam - Devalokam, near Kanjikkuzhi

Pics Source:Skyline Builders (http://skylinebuilders.com)

http://item.slide.com/r/1/79/i/AirU406o5D8O7gFI93YZq2fpIYOhJSl9/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/5/i/UzkMh2MO6j_lesIYkkfzJNSEZxF5jNdu/

Aslesh

June 10th, 2010, 01:28 PM

Oru hill. Is there any thing which is not beautiful. ഉത്തരത്തില്* ഉള്ളത് എടുക്കുകയും വേണം കക്ഷത്തില്* ഉള്ളത കളയാനും പറ്റില്ല.

sakrishna

June 10th, 2010, 01:35 PM

Skyline Stanford and Hartford @ Kalathipady
Pics Source:Skyline Builders (http://skylinebuilders.com)

Stanford

http://item.slide.com/r/1/281/i/oGA4T2JW4z9hTy9CzvKgFQadEjbdsbCh/

Hartford
http://item.slide.com/r/1/29/i/FNfQjf9h5T_NB-QrR8niNwLG0wSEyaH9/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/241/i/tfFmQ0cf5T85xyLedqUonzbu7xqa4qFK/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/111/i/ujDPayfD6T9mh5_e7PKi_B-x_vUPWemn/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/126/i/1BIC9iWV6D8u2UIWOWrOrDbbnx_xRRM4/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/83/i/g5TUGGpo5j_ewIkysUsrZexqIAAF-Byj/

sakrishna

June 10th, 2010, 01:46 PM

Oru hill. Is there any thing which is not beautiful. ഉത്തരത്തില്* ഉള്ളത് എടുക്കുകയും വേണം കക്ഷത്തില്* ഉള്ളത കളയാനും പറ്റില്ല.

He He He.

Asleshetta, I hope you've heard about this place 'Melukavu'. This is the place where a major portion of the movie 'Kathaparayumbol' was shot.

vinod_2007

June 10th, 2010, 01:47 PM

Awesome pics. :bow:

The building bearing the name board is that of KC(M) party office.

But these narrow roads.....:ohno:

Hey Krishna Narrow roads at this location is fine or else you might loose this building itself....

Just a maintained road is required....

sakrishna

June 10th, 2010, 01:48 PM

Hey Krishna Narrow roads at this location is fine or else you might loose this building itself....

Just a maintained road is required....

Yup, I agree. :cheers:

sakrishna

June 10th, 2010, 01:53 PM

deleted

Kiru_PTA

June 11th, 2010, 06:55 AM

‘Master plan for Kumarakom soon'

Staff Reporter

Garbage treatment plant inaugurated

KOTTAYAM: Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, has said that the government would soon give shape to a master plan for Kumarakom, one of the most favourite tourism destinations in the country, to ensure the sustainable development of the spot.

Speaking on the occasion of the formal inauguration of a garbage treatment plant at Kumarakom on Wednesday, Mr. Balakrishnan said the master plan, to be drawn up by architects of international repute, would be on the lines of the proposed master plan for Munnar.

According to him, the State government will invest Rs.600 crore in tourism sector during the current financial year.

The government was fully aware of the dangers of indiscriminate developmental activities in the tourism sector and as such, it has been decided to go in for planned development in the sector so that the industry could have sustainable development in the State, he said.

The development of Bakel in Kasaragode district was an example of planned development, he said and added that the three resorts that have been planned at Bakel would start functioning shortly.

Air strips

The government has also decided to construct air strips in the area so that foreign tourists could land smoothly at the destination, he said.

Mr. Balakrishnan pointed out that with more than 1,500 houseboats with tourists crisscrossing the inland water scapes, processing of garbage has become a big challenge. The treatment plant at Kumarakom has been a step in the right direction, he said and added that another plant would come up at Alappuzha soon.

Walk way

The Minister also launched the Rs.1.66 crore development projects on the walk way along the lake side. The work was expected to be completed by March 2011. V.N. Vasavan, MLA, presided over the function.

District panchayat president T.N. Rameshan and others spoke on the occasion.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/11/stories/2010061153440700.htm

sakrishna

June 11th, 2010, 07:04 AM

^^

Thanks for posting the news Kiran Chetta.

The Kottayam Town master plan about which we've been hearing sometime is yet to take off. Now they are talking about Kumarakom master plan. This is simply election stunt.

The airstrip mentioned in the news is actually about the airstrip which the Govt. is planning to set up near Bakel, Kasaragod. There's no such plan in Kumarakom.

Moreover, they won't do that since there's no suitable place in Kumarakom. it's full of paddy fields.

Also, this is not a backward district and won't be feasible also, according to Govt. :lol:

And finally, this Kumarakom project is actually coming up at Cheepungal, Aymanam Panchayath, under Ettumanoor constituency (UDF) and the whole Rs. 1.66 crores is actually central aid.

So this is not something the state Govt. can take credit for.

Kiru_PTA

June 11th, 2010, 07:56 AM

^^ Yes Krishna,

While posting the above news I was sure that it is an election stunt.
അടുത്ത ഒരു കൊല്ലം എന്തൊക്കെ കാണാന്* കിടക്കുന്നു...

arunpr

June 11th, 2010, 08:21 AM

^^

Thanks for posting the news Kiran Chetta.

The Kottayam Town master plan about which we've been hearing sometime is yet to take off. Now they are talking about Kumarakom master plan. This is simply election stunt.

Kottayam Town Master plan is already prepared and submitted to the Town Planning Officer. Some officers in secratariat are taking too much of time to analyse it and complete the procedures. File is not moving to the CTP to give the approval. I dont know why the officers are creating this delay ? I got this info from the Kottayam Town Planning office.

It is waiting for the final approval from CTP (Chief Town Planner).

vinod_2007

June 11th, 2010, 08:44 AM

sakrishna

June 11th, 2010, 08:45 AM

Kottayam Town Master plan is already prepared and submitted to the Town Planning Officer. Some officers in secratariat are taking too much of time to analyse it and complete the procedures. File is not moving to the CTP to give the approval. I dont know why the officers are creating this delay ? I got this info from the Kottayam Town Planning office.

It is waiting for the final approval from CTP (Chief Town Planner).

It seems you are talking about the outdated Town plan, prepared decades ago.

This one is about the plan prepared by INKEL -All thanks to V.N.Vasavan MLA's sincere efforts.

Several rounds of talks were held involving the industrial miniter, secretary Balakrishnan etc.

One of the points emphasized was the delay happening while going through all the procedures in the Secretariat.

So, the plan is to implement the project by forming an SPV.

It will be implemented on PPP basis, involving business groups from Kottayam.

(And it's me who suggested this idea, through a letter I sent to Shri Vasavan. I mentioned that some development works like airport etc. in Kottayam can be taken up with investments from Kottayam based business groups. Vasavan promptly replied me and thanked me for suggesting such creative/practical ideas.) :)

Now I really don't know what's causing the delay in implementing the Plan.:ohno:

thanseem

June 11th, 2010, 10:08 AM

Now your question about major accomplishments of Oommen Chandy -

*Govt. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in 1991

* K.R. Narayanan Institute of Visual Science and Arts (in honour of late K.R.Narayanan), for which foundation stone was laid in 2006 Jan but the project never took off once the LDF Govt came to power.)

* He tried to bring satellite IT parks to Kannur, Trichur, Kozhikode and Kottayam when he was CM. And now we know what happened to Kottayam IT park project.

Mani's accomplishments:

*Ettumanoor Poonjar Highway

*Meenachil River valley project, another project sabotaged by this LDF Govt.

(Having said that, I also admit that I am not an admirer of Mani)

these r really funny argues krishna..:lol:

in the present ministry MOns JOspeh pumped a lot a PWD money to KTM dist, though 90% of it spend for his own political gain..Vasavan is also did many things within his limitaion..

as someone said earlier, mani or umman chandi couldnt bring any major development to the district even after enjoying peoples mandate for decades!

sakrishna

June 11th, 2010, 10:49 AM

these r really funny argues krishna..:lol:

in the present ministry MOns JOspeh pumped a lot a PWD money to KTM dist, though 90% of it spend for his own political gain..Vasavan is also did many things within his limitaion..

as someone said earlier, mani or umman chandi couldnt bring any major development to the district even after enjoying peoples mandate for decades!

I know these are not major accomplishments. I was saying that what ever little Kottayam got should be attributed to OC.

The same is the case with ministers and representatives from Malabar, Trichur and Kollam for many decades.

Also, the whole concept of development like mega IT parks, medicity etc. etc. were not there in Kerala till 1 decade ago.

Most of the previous Govt.s used to think of development only in Kochi and Trivandrum, and People of Malabar were successful in gaining media support for their needs etc. which the people of Central Travancore couldn't.

While this Govt. did a lot for the development of Malabar, they criminally neglected the districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki.

BTW its good that Mons Joseph did atleast this. Since unlike for Malabar Area,we were not sanctioned any special package.

Vasavan is a dynamic MLA. But we could see that in all the budgets, the amount set aside for Kottayam district (all 9 constituencies) was very less. You just consider this year's budget, compare Kottayam with Malabar, Alappuzha (Finance minister's own district), Ernakulam, Trichur, Trivandrum and Kollam.

What all we got were for few roads, bridges and statues.

Thanseem Bhai, I hope you've got the crux of my points. :)

Now, shall I close this chapter and move forward. Otherwise, this'd again become an endless discussion.

arunpr

June 11th, 2010, 03:19 PM

It seems you are talking about the outdated Town plan, prepared decades ago.

This one is about the plan prepared by INKEL -All thanks to V.N.Vasavan MLA's sincere efforts.

Several rounds of talks were held involving the industrial miniter, secretary Balakrishnan etc.

One of the points emphasized was the delay happening while going through all the procedures in the Secretariat.

So, the plan is to implement the project by forming an SPV.

It will be implemented on PPP basis, involving business groups from Kottayam.

(And it's me who suggested this idea, through a letter I sent to Shri Vasavan. I mentioned that some development works like airport etc. in Kottayam can be taken up with investments from Kottayam based business groups. Vasavan promptly replied me and thanked me for suggesting such creative/practical ideas.) :)

Now I really don't know what's causing the delay in implementing the Plan.:ohno:

Nice to hear about this new master plan !!! Good efforts krishna !!!

But how much time will it take to approve this ? Any idea ? Many projects are pending in Kottayam due to the delay in finalising the master plan.

sakrishna

June 11th, 2010, 07:16 PM

Nice to hear about this new master plan !!! Good efforts krishna !!!

But how much time will it take to approve this ? Any idea ? Many projects are pending in Kottayam due to the delay in finalising the master plan.

Thank you Arun chetta.

I don't know how much time time it'd take to implement this project.

The problem is that, presently, the state Govt. has many other projects in other districts which are of more priority, and whatever related to Kottayam is given least importance.

See this one:

The K.R.Narayanan institute of Visual science and Arts at Akalakkunnam for which foundation stone was laid in 2006 when OC was the CM, but it is yet to become a reality.

land acquisition is not at all a hurdle as there's no eviction involved. Then who else is responsible for the delay?

The Government of Kerala has identified an ideal locale for the institute: it is a picturesque spot 30 km away from the town of Kottayam. A few acres of vacant land there can be utilised for the purpose without having to evict anybody. The establishment will also boost the development of the place—Akalakkunnam, since the place will no longer be a sleepy, obscure village in Kerala once the institute is established there. The over-all beauty and charm of the place will not be affected by the construction of a few Kerala style buildings. Filmy-folks, generally taken to be lovers of Nature, will not indulge in any activity that will spoil the breath-taking beauty of this sleepy countryside.

The foundation stone for the Institute was laid on January 6, 2006, by the Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri. Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.

The establishment activities of the Institute are in progress.
http://http://www.ccek.org/html/krnnivs.htm

On the other hand, there are many other institutions initiated by this Govt. in other places and some of these have started their operations already and some recently.

Why this double standard?

sakrishna

June 11th, 2010, 07:24 PM

http://item.slide.com/r/1/182/i/DE4Llq8ByT9X957YsO3BGDfKUvB6kmbW/

Architect: M.M. Philip

http://mmparchitecturals.com

v-8ras

June 16th, 2010, 11:37 AM

Time for yet another set of pictures. These were taken during my recent visit to Kumarakom where I originally hail from.

Most pictures are taken from areas near my home there. The first ones are from across the Vembanad Lake in Muhamma, Alleppey District

Muhamma
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7492/photo104f.jpg

Nearing Kumarakom Boat Jetty
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2559/photo113qv.jpg

The river that leads to the jetty
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/4517/photo115.jpg

Same river, slightly upstream
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4207/photo116.jpg

That ladies and gentlemen, happens to be my backyard :D
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9462/photo185f.jpg

Our place in Kumarakom
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3800/photo186q.jpg

Sunset, as seen from the backyard. The Pathiramanal island is visible
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6725/photo195.jpg

Lake placid, Early morning pic
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/8289/photo205.jpg

Kottayam- Kumarakom road
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/664/photo282l.jpg

Thazhathangadi
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/8665/photo283.jpg

Near Kumarakom Junction
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4012/photo320a.jpg

Another sunset picture from my backyard
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3325/photo446.jpg

A dangerous looking Vembanad Lake
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/3035/photo234z.jpg

Kottayam Kumarakom Road
http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/3272/photo432.jpg

Aslesh

June 16th, 2010, 12:44 PM

^^ Nice photos. :applause:

simpliCITY

June 16th, 2010, 01:21 PM

Great photos!

btw, ladies and gentlemen is your courtyard?? How:clown:

v-8ras

June 16th, 2010, 01:39 PM

Great photos!

btw, ladies and gentlemen is your courtyard?? How:clown:

Things lack of punctuation can lead to. Edited that bit with commas at appropriate places. Now OK?

:P

sakrishna

June 16th, 2010, 06:15 PM

Time for yet another set of pictures. These were taken during my recent visit to Kumarakom where I originally hail from.

Most pictures are taken from areas near my home there. The first ones are from across the Vembanad Lake in Muhamma, Alleppey District

Hey Rahul Bhai, You always come up with awesome pics.

Lucky man. A house @ Kumarakom near the lake side . Enikku Asooya Thonunnu. ;)

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/3272/photo432.jpg

^^

Ee Picture kandaal Arkkum oru 'Special Package' Tharan Thonnum Alle? :lol:

The road which leads to one of the renowned tourist spots.

anumoth

June 17th, 2010, 06:19 AM

Kanjirappally bypass included in fast track. New roads are always good. eg Thodupuzha & Pathanamthitta.

sakrishna

June 17th, 2010, 07:49 PM

Kanjirappally bypass included in fast track. New roads are always good. eg Thodupuzha & Pathanamthitta.

Welcome to SSC.

Can you provide more details on the Kanjirapally bypass, about its alignment?

Also, have you got any pic of the recently built Kanjirapally Civil station?

anumoth

June 18th, 2010, 06:10 AM

Kanjirappally bypass starts opposite to Panchayath office goes over Manimala Rd and Chittar; passes by the side of Townhall, joins a private road, passes through rubber estates and rejoins NH 220 at Poothakuzhi - between Rani Hospital & Faby's Auditorium. It passes through the east side of the town which is largely unpopulated.

No Mini Civil station photos available now. Will try to get one .

Thnx....

sakrishna

June 18th, 2010, 07:46 AM

Why Govt. is not giving NOC to the the Kottayam airport project, the one which Kottayam actually deserves?

Here's a story on the so-called Aranmula airport. This was the cover story of Dec 13, 2009 issue of 'The Sunday Indian (http://thesundayindian.com)'.

Those who used to oppose this project are now silently supporting it. These fraudsters have the support of some of the leaders and ministers in the ruling front itself.

Source: thesundayindian.com/malayalam/20091213/index.html

http://item.slide.com/r/1/30/i/28DEBM0l7D-v9bHdcFjcZhEhudtg9is_/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/71/i/iF6CST3uwD8VfIOr_cOnlJqi7e5F1KDY/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/167/i/LYLLNkns5T_queuWjlTkKKmLnFpAKY-S/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/69/i/1Eoa5Ywm6j8Kf8El4Fgzw5AxzFB7yHJs/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/94/i/_1VpQCKd6j-YBg1pznSYKp11cRjF1bgr/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/285/i/uBXeLVvWzz9worFD4IBwq27NNsk1wFwF/

sakrishna

June 21st, 2010, 09:05 AM

KOTTAYAM: The Kottayam District Hospital, one of the oldest public health dispensation centres in the State, is celebrating its 200th anniversary. The year-long celebrations will be inaugurated by Health Minister P.K. Sreemathy on Monday.

Started in 1,811 the ‘dharmasupathry' of yore has played a key role in ensuring a prime place for the Central Travancore area in the public health dispensation system.

According to records, one Dr. Cross was the first doctor who served at the hospital and even after a century of its inception, many of the hospital buildings remained thatched. It was only by 1940s that the hospital came of age with new buildings. When the government medical college at Kottayam was started in 1962, the hospital and its 10-acre campus functioned as the temporary campus, till the medical college was shifted to its own permanent campus at Gandhinagar in 1974.

Today the hospital is well equipped with 15 departments, 42 doctors and 370 other employees. The authorities have decided to implement a Rs.10 crore development and modernisation project at the hospital.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/21/stories/2010062155950300.htm)

sakrishna

June 27th, 2010, 07:29 AM

Lasdon Park @ Varissery

http://item.slide.com/r/1/150/i/tWgf-OVB7z-Y0LjNW63q9iyHbb6R1BjD/

Blue Bell Heights @ Caritas

http://item.slide.com/r/1/166/i/pv-mfPIo7D_a3z91UOVcGDvmrKdBnlej/

Haritha Homes (http://harithahomeskerala.com)

thanseem

June 28th, 2010, 07:11 AM

sakrishna

June 28th, 2010, 04:54 PM

thanks sai..quite a few apartment, both villa and highrise, projects around carithas now..i think the area coming up as a new destination after vadavathoor, puthanagadi etc..

an ideal location, just 2.5 KM from ettumanoor town, two of the best hospitals in the district and quality educational institutes around..

Spot on Thanseem bhai.

Also, the proximity to MGU and KMC and the numerous places of worship etc. are the other USPs of Caritas-Thellakom area. :cheers:

Add to that the GM showroom, two veg. restaurants, super market etc.

This place will surely see more development in the near future itself.

jayesh krishna

July 4th, 2010, 06:08 AM

sai, i heard that kottayam municipality is not going to extend because there is some cases in the court.Is it true?

sakrishna

July 4th, 2010, 04:35 PM

sai, i heard that kottayam municipality is not going to extend because there is some cases in the court.Is it true?

What you heard is true. There exists a case in the court against the merging of Nattakom Panchayath with Kottayam municipality.

Ha Ha....angane, ee Govt. Kondu vanna oru 'Valiya Vikasana Padhathi' Mudangi.....:lol:

anumoth

July 5th, 2010, 05:01 PM

The plan of Kanjirappally Mini Civil Station. The orginal is almost the same.

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/37549339.jpg

thanseem

July 7th, 2010, 03:28 AM

sakrishna

July 9th, 2010, 09:16 PM

The plan of Kanjirappally Mini Civil Station. The orginal is almost the same.

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/37549339.jpg

Thanks for the rendering, Anumoth.

Found an actual pic of the Mini Civil Station. The image is very small.:ohno:

http://item.slide.com/r/1/201/i/wPPrxsUgrz_0Q-NhSBaHPLVgynb1rSQq/

source: http://kanjirappallynet.com

sakrishna

July 10th, 2010, 09:02 AM

Minister promises help to solve Vadavathoor dump yard issue

Steps needed to reduce amount of garbage reaching the yard

http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/10/images/2010071057940301.jpg
GARBAGE MOUND: Minister for Local Administration Paloli Mohammed Kutty at the Vadavathoor garbage dump yard in Kottayam on Friday.
KOTTAYAM: Paloli Mohammed Kutty, Minister for Local Administration, has extended the assistance of the State government in sorting out the issues regarding the garbage dump yard at Vadavathoor.
Mr. Mohammed Kutty, along with Jose K. Mani, MP, and V.N. Vasavan, MLA, visited the dumping yard on Friday evening. He said that the issue was not one of shifting the dumping yard to some other place, but of addressing the garbage issue in a scientific manner.
Top priority must be given to awareness campaigns on garbage management, he said and added that the problem cannot be solved without the support and involvement of people. Efforts must be made to bring down the quantity of garbage being brought to the dumping yard, he said. This can be ensured if much of the bio-degradable waste from the municipality could be processed at the source itself.
The Minister who visited the members of the Action Council, who are engaged in an indefinite blockade of the dumping yard, said that money would not be a problem in sorting out the issues involved.
The Minister, accompanied by Municipal authorities, officials from Pollution Control Board and leaders of the Action Council, walked around the yard and the waste processing unit at the yard.
The Minister's visit was following a request made by Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/10/stories/2010071057940300.htm)

Money is not the problem, but the attitude of the state Govt. towards Kottayam is the real problem.

sakrishna

July 12th, 2010, 09:45 AM

It seems Nest group has taken over Marickar builders and they are gonna relaunch 'Morning Glory as Orchid park'

Nest Infratech - Orchid Park

http://item.slide.com/r/1/19/i/5pEFexHo1z8Y95NZsV2Tv05Ur8admQVo/
http://nestinfratech.com

Marickar Group -Morning Glory @ Kalathipady
http://item.slide.com/r/1/91/i/CkJzW_IA7j9AslepLW09JM_vDfZi3EaX/

sakrishna

July 19th, 2010, 11:40 AM

http://item.slide.com/r/1/178/i/yEUJ3CbP1D8iLNDPUwYoSohO2lew3r0e/

Nest Infratech (http://nestinfratech.com/)

linu

July 19th, 2010, 01:51 PM

sakrishna

July 19th, 2010, 01:59 PM

Tender invited for Multifunctional Complex (MFC) at KOTTAYAM & Palakkad

Its a good initiative form INDIAN RAILWAY to consider Kottayam also in the list of MFC

http://tenders.gov.in/viewtenddoc.asp?tid=del314685&wno=1&td=TD

Initially Kottayam wasn't included in the list of stations considered for the construction of MFC. But Kottayam was later included only because of the special request made by Jose.K.Mani MP.

sakrishna

July 20th, 2010, 03:22 PM

On the bank of Meenachil River and amidst Rubber Plantations.

Pics (C) Aravind Jose @ Kottayam Pattanam (http://kottayampattanam.com)

http://item.slide.com/r/1/251/i/cLdQ-gar0j9U0uETs3kTJDruapv_QS4I/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/63/i/ERNJSxfv7D-RedeEHDhAjVa0eZpWq-6l/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/118/i/D_HOQOHm7j8UwP_ib9xkzlxCRhXXajsK/

http://item.slide.com/r/1/284/i/jmSqWDkP0z-ETXvCOWZ0kjI6BuP17pRc/

v-8ras

July 20th, 2010, 03:44 PM

Now thats cool!! Go Karting track in Kottayam!:)

vinod_2007

July 21st, 2010, 08:11 AM

Great.... Looks really Good.....

RajeshVR

July 21st, 2010, 08:20 AM

Kottayam is flourishing!!

:)Rubberinu ennatha vila

sakrishna

July 21st, 2010, 08:46 AM

scorpiogenius

July 21st, 2010, 09:29 AM

Hey, thats a revelation! A Karting track in Pala! Good find Krishna. :)

sakrishna

July 21st, 2010, 10:38 AM

Hey, thats a revelation! A Karting track in Pala! Good find Krishna. :)

Thanks Anishetta. The actual credit for that goes to SSC froumer Aravind Jose T.

This smart prodigy is behind the website: http://kottayampattanam.com

sakrishna

July 21st, 2010, 10:44 AM

Kottayam is flourishing!!

:)Rubberinu ennatha vila

Yes Rajeshetta. 'Rubberum koode illayirunnengil Kottayam onnumakathillayirunnu'.

Athraykku Snehamanallo, Nammude Govt.nu Kottayathodu. (Pinne Rubberennu Kettale CPMinu Allergiya).:bash:

if the Central Govt. decides to cut import duty on rubber, then it'll adversely affect Kottayam's economy as Kottayam's economy directly depends on natural rubber production and majority of the industries in Kottayam are rubber based. pinne Ippo ulla vikasanam polum Kottayathu undakilla. Jewlleryum, Silk Showroom poyittu oru thattukadayo, Pettikkada polum varilla.

And thanks to the state Govt., which has the impression that Kottayam is self-sufficient, forward and highly developed in every field, nothing needs to be done to boost Kottayam's economy. Who cares?

Ellam paraveychu Thulachu - IT park, airport ennu venda ellam. :bash:

linu

July 23rd, 2010, 07:22 AM

Rs.34.2-crore plan for Kottayam

KOTTAYAM: The 2010-11 annual plan of the Kottayam district panchayat, which envisages 424 projects amounting to Rs.34.20 crore, has been approved by the District Planning Committee.

With this, the last plan of the current panchayat council will get more than eight months for implementation, unlike in earlier years when the plan approval was delayed inordinately, resulting in plan holidays till the last few months of each fiscal, president T.N. Rameshan said.

With the local bodies being entrusted with the responsibilities in the education sector in an increasing manner, the plan has earmarked Rs.2.95 crore for the sector. This includes Rs.10 lakh for a project to be taken up in a phased manner for ensuring secondary education for all by 2017. The project, christened ‘Vidyasaubhagya,' will be implemented with the active involvement of the Literacy Mission in the district.

Another project, ‘Nooru Meni' plans to ensure 100 per cent pass at the SSLC level. The district panchayat will join hands with the Directorate of Public Instructions for the purpose.

The plan also envisages taking up maintenance work of all eligible schools coming under its purview.

The plan has earmarked Rs.25 lakh for instituting scholarships in Special Schools and Rs.16.45 lakh for constructing girl-friendly toilets in schools.

This project will be implemented with the involvement of the State Sanitation Mission.

Another thrust area is agriculture where a focussed initiative would be made in making the district ‘fallow-land free' within two years. The plan has set apart Rs.1.27 crore for agriculture development projects. This includes Rs.25.80 lakh for paddy development projects. The plan envisages making the district self-sufficient in vegetable production during the current financial year.

Also, Rs.2.78 crore has been set apart for housing projects, Rs.2.15 lakh for drinking water projects and Rs.1.89 lakh for road development.

Source http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/23/stories/2010072352010300.htm

sakrishna

July 31st, 2010, 03:17 PM

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1527/marinaandlngterminal.jpg

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/7580/containerterminal.jpg

orange99

July 31st, 2010, 07:07 PM

sakrishna

August 1st, 2010, 05:29 AM

Dear friend Sai,

Great job , what is the present status of the merger of nattakom and kumaranalloor panchayats to the kottayam muncipality, r all the stays evacuated , is it underway ?....
I guess then the population of kottayam muncipality would be somewhere in 1.45 lakh as per 2001 census i wonder what would be the population in 2010 census

Welcome to SSC and thanks for the compliment.

HC rejected the plea by the Action Council against the Nattakom panchyath-Kottayam municipality merger.

See the following news report regarding the merger from Manorama:

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/420/kottayamtownexpansionma.jpg

HC upheld the decision of the Govt. to merge Nattakom and Kumaranalloor Panchayth with Kottayam municipality.

Kottayam municipality will have 52 wards after the merger.

Municipality to extend from Medical College to Kurichy.

If I'm correct, Kottayam municipality will also share boundary with Alappuzha district, in the south. :)

orange99

August 1st, 2010, 07:19 PM

v-8ras

August 2nd, 2010, 04:02 AM

sakrishna

August 2nd, 2010, 10:19 AM

Thank U So much for this great news krishna ,At last something has happened for Kottayam in a very very long time i hope and pray that with a bigger area the muncipality could initiate some major developmental projects ,infrastructure,new roads , developing some sparsely populated area at present into a planned township like a miniature noida ,slowly seperating the present congested markets or major shopping centre to the suburbs in a planned way and make the "ittavattom kottayam" spread into a spacious , clean, beautiful, lovable town which should be able to lure people, not to scare them away to settle in adjacent cities.the present kk road or tb road are congested nothing much can be done about it, but they could focus more in outer eg kodimatha nattakom stretch or sankranthy medical college
Regarding the merger ,i thought parts of kalathipady vadavathur deserved to be with muncipality becoz these areas seemed way too urbanised.
Kottayam was same old town 15 years before but areas like kanjikuzhy, kalathipady, kodimatha,nagampadom, really flourished, apart from these only parts of carithas as u already pointed out has a significant development.parts like karapuzha ,kumarakom road were lagging and I personally think the state of roads kept the development at bay .
I wish if this bigger muncipality could do something to widen roads make 4 lines roads at least from samkranthy to natttakom ,central to kanjikuzhy or make some good ring / link roads it could trigger some developmental activity otherwise the importance of the town might come down

Once again thaks to Sakrishna pls keep blogging, and and all the credit goes to u in keeping this thread very much alive.

You are absolutely correct. While places like Nattakom, Kumaranallur, Kalthipady etc. have grown and became urbanized, those places which are already inside the municipal area viz. Karapuzha, Thiruvathukkal etc. remain undeveloped.

We've been hearing about Outer and Inner ring roads, Nagampadom-Kodimatha Flyover etc. for years.

If the various rivers and rivulets which criss cross these places can be made navigable, boats services can be plied between Karapuzha, Nagampadom, Kodimatha etc.

Regarding 4-laning of the existing roads within the municipal area, barring Sastri Road, MC Road from Baker. Junction to Sankranthi, and part of K.K Road from Collectorate to Manorama or upto District hospital, I don't think it is possible to widen any other roads without large-scale eviction.

sathya_226

August 2nd, 2010, 10:49 AM

Thanks for the rendering, Anumoth.

Found an actual pic of the Mini Civil Station. The image is very small.:ohno:

http://item.slide.com/r/1/201/i/wPPrxsUgrz_0Q-NhSBaHPLVgynb1rSQq/

source: http://kanjirappallynet.com

Have they completed it? What is the current status....

sakrishna

August 2nd, 2010, 10:56 AM

Have they completed it? What is the current status....

The work on the building is over. At present, only one Govt. office is functioning from the Mini civil station as the building is not yet fully electrified. :ohno:

dinakar

August 2nd, 2010, 11:21 AM

@ Vaikkom - nice isnt it .

http://i25.tinypic.com/2v9yerl.jpg

sakrishna

August 2nd, 2010, 11:47 AM

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7374/kmmatheworginal1.jpg

sakrishna

August 2nd, 2010, 11:53 AM

@ Vaikkom - nice isnt it .

That's a great find Dinakar. Thank you so much. The project looks good.
But what's exactly meant by the term 'floating'. These 'floating' structures are built over raised platforms right? Isn't some sort of lake encroachment? This will narrow down the lake, I fear. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

sakrishna

August 2nd, 2010, 12:21 PM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is all set to launch a regional centre of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in the State.

This will be one among the four regional centres to be set up in various parts of the country.

The objective of opening these regional centres is to extend centres for journalistic excellence and training to people from various parts of the country.

According to the annual report of the Union Ministry for the year 2009-2010, the centres will be set up in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Maharashtra and Kerala.
Six postgraduate diploma courses in journalism are being conducted by the IIMC for which around 270 students join every year.

The Express Buzz

Indian Institute of Mass Communication (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) was sanctioned to Kottayam many years before along with one campus in Dhenekkal,Orissa.

The Kottayam Campus was supposed to be the 3rd Campus of IIMC which has its main Campus in Delhi.

While the Orissa branch started functioning without any hiccups, the Kottayam campus failed to take-off as IIMC authorities were not keen to have a campus in Kottayam as some of the staffs of IIMC-Delhi had feared that this would lead to their transfer from Delhi to Kottayam, which was against their wishes.

The buildings for the same are still lying vacant at Vadavathoor and they incur a good amount of money for monthly maintenance.

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (I.I.M.C.), a Central Government Institution with its head quarters in New Delhi has opened its second branch at Kottayam. The site of the branch is at Vadavathoor, 3km. away from Kottayam town. I.I.M.C. is engaged in improving professional knowledge and technical skill of the personnel working in various media, Information and Publication Departments of the Government and Public sector undertakings.

http://ktm.kerala.gov.in/massmedia.htm

orange99

August 2nd, 2010, 12:53 PM

wow stunning design dinakar, but what is a floating market ? is it a government project , thought it is a resort

@ sakrishna, leave alone the one way kk road segment btw collectorate jn and central as it is now, but muncipality can really make 4 line atleast from collectorate jn to kanjikuzhy it's only 1 km yaar with heavy traffic.town dont have a single four lane road yet ,better to make; before its too late otherwise a bigger eviction years later. i'm personally of the view that kanjikuzhy is an upcoming shopping centre in the town.
Right now if u ask a local person where is kottayam town he would probably refer to thirunakkara, or central jn, baker jn ,manorama jn upto ksrtc bus stand, all in 500m radius most of them think even kanjikuzhy kodimatha nagampadomare parts outside kottayam town although thay are contigious, this is my observation correct me if i'm wrong, this concept should be changed by promoting new sub centres outside this central zone eg sh mount kumaranalloor varissery nattakkom manippuzha viz.make a new kottayam rather than concentrating on the already existing parts because as u pointed out so much of evictions and difficulties for the people who r losing their property.....

sakrishna

August 2nd, 2010, 07:42 PM

***
KGA developers approached Environment ministry for approvals of Aranmula airport

Source Please?

Some people with the attitude 'Enikkilengil Mattullavanum Venda' will be very happy to hear this.

Time has come for me to quit SSC. :goodbye:

deewana

August 2nd, 2010, 08:29 PM

kure divasayallo quittan nadkkunnu
enna angatt quittikkalu

Kiru_PTA

August 10th, 2010, 07:28 AM

Kottayam hopes to bag an IIMC campus

George Jacob

The town had been allotted one in 1995

Four new IIMC campuses have been sanctioned

in Kashmir, Maharashtra, Mizoram and Kerala

The State government had allotted a 10-acre plot for the project at Vadavathur in 1995

KOTTAYAM: The decision of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) to launch four new campuses in the country has revived the hopes of Kottayam for having one of them. According to reports, the new campuses have been sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Mizoram and Kerala.

In fact, the town which boasts itself as the headquarters of media industry in the State, was the original choice for a campus of the prestigious institution way back in 1995. During the tenure of K.P. Singh Deo, (presently Congress chief in Orissa) as Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Kottayam along with the Minister's home constituency Dhenkanal was selected as the first two campuses of IIMC outside New Delhi. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of the then Chief Minister K. Karunakaran and the then Member of Parliament from Kottayam, Ramesh Chennithala.

However, the project ran into rough weather soon when the IIMC had second thoughts about starting campuses out of New Delhi. While the project at Dhenkanal got off, the work on Kottayam campus ground to a halt slowly.

During the early stage an Officer on Special duty was deputed from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The land for the campus was identified at Vadavathur just three km from the heart of the town. The nearly 4.05 hectare (10 acre) plot consisted of two components: a 1.69 ha ( 4.2 acre) plot owned by the State government and a 2.23 ha (5.5 acre) plot, to be added through acquisition from one private party.

With the IIMC losing interest in the project, there were repeated directives to return the land to the State government. In fact, the State government has already started the process of retaking the land assigned to the IIMC. The authorities have also stopped all acquisition process on the private land.

A building which was constructed during the early period is in a dilapidated condition as the IIMC had failed to maintain it properly.

According to Jose K. Mani, MP, the ball is now in the State government's court as it was for them to identify the campus of 6.07 ha (15 acres) for the new project. If the State government takes the initiative, Kottayam, would be benefited immensely, as nearly more than 4 ha has already been identified in one of the fast developing areas of the town.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/10/stories/2010081060550300.htm