DDC calls for urgent steps to ease traffic woes on NH 66 in Alappuzha
In the meeting held on Saturday, P.P. Chitharanjan, MLA, pointed out that sand for NH construction was supposed to be extracted from a designated area in Vembanad Lake to the east of Aryad grama panchayat, but the extraction has shifted westward. He said that vehicles transporting sand were speeding recklessly, damaging roads and causing accidents. The MLA urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to look into the matter and take necessary action. He also demanded that NHAI officials be instructed to attend DDC meetings regularly.
H. Salam, MLA, demanded that the traffic signal installed at Kaithavana junction in Alappuzha, which remains switched off during the day, be made operational immediately. K.C. Venugopal MP's representative, former MLA A.A. Shukkoor, said the ongoing NH construction has been causing severe traffic congestion in the Aroor region. Despite the allocation of ₹7 crore for the repair of alternate roads, the situation has not improved, he said.
The representative of Ramesh Chennithala, MLA, demanded that an underpass be sanctioned at Narakathara on the NH.
Mr. Chitharanjan also raised issues, including travel difficulties on the Alappuzha railway station road, the growing stray dog menace, and delays in the disbursement of compensation for natural calamities.
District Tourism Promotion Council officials informed the meeting that a letter had been sent to the Tourism director requesting the installation of a prefab toilet unit on Alappuzha beach. Officials from the Ports department said a proposal had been submitted to the Maritime Board to set up an amenity centre, including toilets, within the Port office compound.
As part of the construction of the District Court Bridge, 50 out of 168 piles have been completed, and tender procedures for the demolition of buildings are in progress, Kerala Road Fund Board officials informed the meeting.
Fisheries department officials said that the construction of an apartment complex under the Punargeham project at Purakkad for coastal residents was progressing. Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra authorities informed the meeting that the new building of the Fisheries Hospital at Tharayilkadavu was nearing completion.
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