Latest news with #M.SivaguruPrabakaran
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation to set up lounges for 108 staff and gig workers
Coimbatore Corporation has passed a special resolution to create lounges for ambulance drivers and staff attached to the 108 emergency service. The announcement was made by Mayor K. Ranganayaki, who presided over the council meeting held at Victoria Town Hall on Thursday. According to the Mayor, the facilities will be established in each of the city's five zones to ensure accessibility for personnel across different areas. Each facility will include basic amenities such as seating, drinking water, toilets, and shaded resting areas. An allocation of ₹1 crore has been made for the development of these facilities, she said. Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran announced separate lounges for gig workers involved in food and e-commerce delivery services. These lounges are likely to be established on Avinashi Road and DB Road, with a feasibility study currently under way, he said. Other than the council subjects, discussions were also held on the recent Government Order (GO) regarding the hike in penalty charges for buildings constructed without approval. As per the GO, which came into effect from July this year, the penalty has been increased to ₹88 per square foot for residential buildings and ₹110 per square foot for non-residential structures, up from the earlier ₹20–₹25 per square foot. Several councillors sought a reversal of the hike and urged the Commissioner to take up the matter with higher officials. The Commissioner informed the council that the issue would be discussed with senior authorities. Ahead of the meeting, Ward 84 Councillor R. Alima Begum staged a sit-in protest demanding the removal of the ABC centre at Ukkadam. Residents from Rose Park (ward 86) also gathered at the venue, raising concerns over the lack of drainage and road facilities in their locality. A total of 58 resolutions were tabled during the meeting, all of which were passed.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation to hold special camps to correct ESI record errors for contract workers
Contract conservancy workers employed by the Coimbatore Corporation are facing difficulties in accessing medical care due to discrepancies in their Employees' State Insurance (ESI) records. Errors such as incorrect personal details and inclusion of deceased family members have led to delays, especially during emergencies. The Corporation employs over 3,400 contract conservancy workers. A portion of their wages is deducted towards ESI contributions, entitling them to medical benefits. Workers said that ESI identity cards were not issued for several years despite repeated demands. Following protests and pressure from trade unions, ESI certificates were issued last year. However, many of these documents reportedly contain errors, including incorrect mobile numbers, marital status mismatches, and outdated information. In some cases, names of deceased parents have been listed as active dependents. Due to these discrepancies, several workers have been denied timely medical assistance or have faced delays in treatment. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said ward wise special camps will be held to assist workers in updating their ESI records, including name corrections and addition of valid family members. He added that the issue would be resolved within 10 days.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation sends ₹9.89-crore proposal to State Government for aviary at VOC Zoo site
The Coimbatore Corporation has sent a proposal to the State government seeking ₹9.89 crore to convert the closed VOC Park and Zoo into an aviary park under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The 4.5-acre zoo, established in 1965, was closed in January 2022 after the Central Zoo Authority suspended its licence in 2018 due to poor upkeep. The Corporation had initially planned to develop an open reading space at the site, with ₹75 lakh allocated in its 2024–25 budget. The plan has now been revised. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the proposal is likely to be sanctioned, with discussions ongoing with private partners. In a parallel initiative, the Corporation also plans to convert the existing volleyball and kabaddi courts near VOC Park into indoor facilities. 'The basketball court in the area has already been upgraded. The project is estimated to cost ₹5 crore and will be implemented under the 'Namakku Naame' scheme using CSR funds, with support from District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar,' he said.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
80% of Semmozhi Poonga works completed in Coimbatore
The Coimbatore Corporation is racing against time to complete phase one works of the ₹167.25-crore Semmozhi Poonga project, coming up on 45 acres at the Central Prison Grounds in Gandhipuram. The civic body officials said that 80% of the project has been completed. The botanical garden and related infrastructure have reached 83% progress, while the convention centre has also advanced to 83%. Pipelines carrying treated water from the Ukkadam Sewage Treatment Plant and the ground-level parking facility have been completed. A dedicated bus shelter, designed to reflect key features of the park, is to be completed by mid-July. Themed gardens The park will feature 23 themed gardens, an experience centre, artificial waterfall, cafeteria, retail outlets, and a 500-seat open-air theatre. The convention centre is being built to seat 1,000 people and will house a conference hall, guest lounges, and related facilities. The parking area will accommodate 453 cars, 10 buses and 1,000 two-wheelers, with electric vehicle charging stations. Other facilities include a 4,000 sq. ft. terrarium, a 42-metre-high Ferris wheel, and a one-kilometre zipline, which is planned to be installed post-inauguration. Accessibility features include battery-operated vehicles, wheelchairs, and audio-enabled glasses for visually impaired visitors. Information boards with QR codes and barcodes will provide plant species details. According to sources, Principal Secretary and CRRT Member Secretary Rajendra Ratnoo recently inspected the site. Following a review chaired by the Chief Secretary on October 26, 2024, the Corporation was directed to finalise the Business and Operational Plan before inauguration and place it before the council. The formation of the Semmozhi Poonga Management Committee has also been instructed. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the works are expected to be completed within 45 days.
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu government rejects Coimbatore Corporation's proposal for 20 MW solar plant at Vellalore dump yard
The Tamil Nadu government has rejected a proposal by the Coimbatore Corporation to set up a 20 MW solar power generation unit on 50 acres at the Vellalore dump yard. According to the Corporation, it spends nearly ₹10 crore each month on electricity charges as it has over 50,000 streetlights and several water supply and sewage treatment facilities under its jurisdiction. The Corporation currently operates three solar power plants: a 3.6 MW plant at Pullukadu established under the Smart Cities Mission at ₹17 crore, and two 1 MW plants at Ukkadam and Kavundampalayam, built at a combined cost of ₹5.5 crore. Power generated from these facilities is adjusted against the Corporation's electricity usage. The first phase of biomining at Vellalore, completed in 2023 at ₹60 crore, resulted in the reclamation of 54 acres. The Corporation planned to establish a 20 MW solar power plant on this site and submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the State government last year. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran told The Hindu that the ₹150 crore project was to be funded through municipal bonds. The proposal, however, did not receive clearance from the State Finance Department. The Commissioner added that the Corporation has submitted a revised proposal under a Union government scheme, with an estimated cost of ₹120 crore. 'This was an effort to put the site to productive use, rather than allowing it to return to being a dumping ground. We have begun planting trees on a 10-acre portion of the dump yard, and we hope the project receives approval,' he said.
