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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tension erupts at Palayam market over demolition of operational shops
Thiruvananthapuram: Tensions erupted at Connemara Market in Palayam on Friday afternoon after a section of traders protested against the corporation's attempt to demolish shops, which they claimed were still operational, as part of the redevelopment plan. The protest began around 1pm when civic authorities started dismantling some structures of the market. The demolition of shops that were not in use has been ongoing for weeks, but the move to raze functional outlets, such as tea stalls and vegetable shops, sparked resistance from the shopkeepers. However, the police intervened and brought the situation under control. "There are several shops which are still in use and we have not yet been fully rehabilitated," said Rajas J, a shop owner and Merchants Association secretary. He emphasised that traders were willing to vacate once the corporation makes suitable arrangements for them. The traders have also decided to shut down all the shops on Saturday as part of the protest. The corporation along with Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) constructed a temporary facility behind the existing market to house vendors during the redevelopment. These consist of three prefabricated blocks made of high-quality steel, designed to accommodate up to 460 traders, including dedicated sections for fish vendors. However, several traders claimed that they have not allotted their designated spaces yet. Meanwhile, a senior corporation official confirmed that the situation was brought under control. "The issue has been settled. Functional shops will not be demolished until traders are properly rehabilitated. A meeting with the affected traders will be held soon to resolve any outstanding concerns," the official said. The Rs 55-crore market redevelopment project is being executed by RDS Projects Ltd under the Smart City Mission. The revamp was in the planning stages for over a decade and aims to address longstanding issues related to sanitation, safety and the deteriorating structure of the decades-old market. Originally slated to begin by March 31, 2025, the project has already seen delays, leading to financial and administrative complications. Sources indicate that additional funds may now be required to complete the project. Despite the setbacks, civic authorities insist that the redevelopment was essential for modernising the market and improving conditions for both traders and customers. "We understand the concerns of the traders, but this project is vital to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient marketplace in the heart of the city," the corporation official added. The temporary relocation is part of a phased plan to ensure uninterrupted business for traders while the new complex is under construction. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Arividam Playscape to give a major facelift for Kerala Jawahar Bal Bhavan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Jawahar Bal Bhavan in the state capital is all set for a major transformation with the launch of 'Arividam Playscape' – an innovative project that aims to enhance and enrich the child-friendly public space. Designed as a dynamic playscape exclusively for children, the initiative has been taken up as part of the Urban Rejuvenation and Beautification Scheme for Thiruvananthapuram – a scheme conceived in 2023. The plan is to implement and throw open the renovated campus by December-end. The project implemented by the Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) is funded by KIIFB. 'Arividam Playscape' aims to breathe a new lease of life into the underutilised open space of the Jawahar Bal Bhavan campus at Vellayambalam. The project is designed in such a way that the new makeover will offer a more immersive experience for the children. KIIFB has already approved the detailed project report and has sanctioned Rs 4.8 crore for the project. MLA V K Prasanth, who played a crucial role in conceiving the project, said that no major development was done in the Bal Bhavan for years. 'The city lacks child-friendly spaces and this is going to bridge that gap. Summer vacation camp is the only main activity happening on the campus and once the project is implemented, it is going to be a more vibrant space where children would want to spend more time,' he said. Every year nearly 2,000 children belonging to several age groups attend the two-month-long summer vacation class at Jawahar Bal Bhavan. Knowledge Vault – a state-of-the-art digital learning hub would be set up on the campus. The interactive space which will feature content relating to history, literature, environmental science, is expected to make learning more fun. One of the other major features is the revitalisation of the historic Sea Hawk aircraft displayed on the premises. An official of TRIDA said that it is a piece of relic that is part of history. 'The area surrounding the Sea Hawk is underutilised and that area will be developed. The new generation is unaware of its relevance, and this is the only aircraft with an engine put on display in the country,' the official said. MLA Prasanth said that the roof of the Sea Hawk is in a poor state and efforts will be taken to get permission from the Indian Navy and Government of India to maintain the aircraft and fix the roof.
