Latest news with #ThrissurCorporation
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Roof sheet collapse: Congress files complaint with human rights panel
Leader of the Opposition in the Thrissur Corporation Rajan J. Pallan and deputy leader E.V. Sunilraj have lodged a formal complaint with the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), demanding legal action against officials responsible for the collapse of a roof sheet from a building owned by the Thrissur Corporation onto Municipal Office Road recently. The incident occurred on May 23, followed heavy rain and gusty wind. The metal roofing, installed atop a multi-storey building owned by the Corporation, had been in a dangerously unstable condition since April 22 due to a storm. Despite being aware of the risk, officials failed to take any preventive measures for over a month, the complainants alleged. No one was injured, but it was purely due to luck, the Opposition leaders stressed. Even 15 days after the incident, the LDF-led Corporation council has taken no action against those responsible, Mr. Pallan said. The official involved with the construction work is a known sympathiser of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and hence the inaction, he added. 'Unsafe buildings' He further criticised the Corporation for not demolishing structurally unsafe buildings and accused the CPI(M) leadership of attempting to shield negligent officials. The Opposition warned that if such efforts continue, they would escalate protests both within and outside the council. 'We will not accept a Mayor or a ruling council that puts the lives of citizens at risk,' Mr. Pallan said.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Save Thrissur campaign launched against bid to block city's development
A 'Save Thrissur' public campaign has been launched alleging that a group of people, including real estate agents and certain officials linked to the Thrissur Corporation, are trying to torpedo development of the city. Congress councillor in the Corporation John Daniel, who initiated the campaign, accused this group with vested interests of deliberately helping to issue fake structural fitness certificates to aging and unsafe buildings in Thrissur city and surrounding areas to prevent their demolition. In a letter to the Mayor, Mr. Daniel demanded a Vigilance investigation into the alleged issuance of fake structural stability (fitness) certificates. According to the complaint, owners of dilapidated and unsafe buildings were illegally obtaining stability certificates — often without any scientific assessment. 'They are risking people's lives by issuing fitness certificates for buildings that are clearly unfit to occupy. One of the buildings near Swaraj Round, which collapsed recently, had allegedly received such a certificate, raising questions about the credibility of the process,' he noted. A list of 271 buildings identified as unsafe had been prepared during the tenure of the previous council, but many of these buildings were later certified as structurally stable, which stopped further action, Mr. Daniel pointed out. 'There is evidence that intermediaries are collecting large sums from building owners in exchange for fitness certificates.' He even accused the Mayor of concealing a structural report that had declared a Corporation-owned building at Ayyanthole — previously housing the family court — as unfit and recommended for demolition. Despite the warning, several businesses continued to operate from the premises, he said. The councillor alleged that these actions were part of a long-term attempt to reduce land value in the city by the land mafia. 'Their aim is to undermine the importance of Swaraj Round by shifting commercial and residential activity to the outskirts — a move that will benefit private real estate interests. ' He also questioned whether parts of the Corporation's Master Plan, including the Ring Road and mixed-use zone projects, were connected to this strategy. The letter demanding a Vigilance investigation into the misuse of structural stability certificates marks the first step of the 'Save Thrissur' campaign, he said. He said the movement would continue with further public action and legal steps to ensure accountability and to address the concerns about the city's stalled development.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Thrissur Corporation cracks down on unsafe buildings
The Thrissur Corporation is taking a firm stance on dangerous and structurally unsafe buildings within city limits. Buildings, housing and commercial establishments that have repeatedly ignored notices and failed to produce stability certificates will now face strict action, according to Mayor M.K. Varghese. Despite being issued multiple warnings, several building owners have not complied with safety norms, prompting the corporation to act. Mayor Varghese publicly announced that there will be no more dialogue — only action — when it comes to unsafe structures. Demolition begins The demolition of the Manorama Building near Swaraj Round has already begun. The Corporation and the District Disaster Management Authority are taking the action under the provisions of the National Disaster Management Act. More such demolitions are expected soon as the corporation plans to expand this effort across the city. Out of 227 identified old buildings, decisions have already been made regarding 144. The process will take place in three phases, the Mayor said. The first phase will focus on buildings considered to be in the most critical condition. Corporation is taking action as owners and business operators have not taken steps to ensure the safety of these buildings, the Mayor said. Even some of the Corporation-owned buildings are found to be unsafe. Urgent safety measures initiated for those buildings, Mayor Varghese confirmed.
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- The Hindu
All arrangements in place for Pooram, says Minister Vasavan
As the countdown to the Thrissur Pooram begins, Minister for Devaswom V.N. Vasavan announced that all preparations have been completed by the government, district administration, Thrissur Corporation, and Devaswoms to ensure a smooth conduct of the festival. The Minister was addressing the media following a review meeting held at Ramanilayam, attended by Revenue Minister K. Rajan, Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R. Bindu, Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, Mayor M.K. Varghese, district panchayat president V.S. Prince, District Collector Arjun Pandiyan, City Police Commissioner R. Ilango, ADM Murali T., and Sub-Collector Akhil V. Menon. A force of around 4,000 police personnel, including women officers, will be deployed for maintaining law and order. The Excise and Police departments are conducting joint operations to prevent the sale and use of narcotics during the festival days. NH underpass works The KSRTC has been directed to arrange additional transportation, and discussions are under way with private bus operators. The Railways have been requested to ensure scheduled stops for all trains passing through Thrissur on May 6. Work on the Angamaly-Thrissur NH underpass will be paused on the Pooram day, following talks with the NHAI, the Minister said. Safety checks have been completed on all Corporation buildings, and dangerous overhanging tree branches have been removed. In collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission, post-Pooram sanitation plans are in place. City roads under the Corporation have been repaired, and arrangements made to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply. The Food Safety department and Legal Metrology have jointly formed squads to conduct field inspections. A dedicated elephant care team, along with veterinary doctors, is ready to manage the health and safety of elephants participating in the festivities. The Minister also emphasised that no communal, political, or provocative symbols, slogans, or flags should be used as part of the festival. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, including female officers, will be deployed. The DMO-led medical team, with ambulances, is also fully prepared. Only ambulances marked with an official DMO sticker will be allowed entry into the Pooram grounds. Crowd control Minister K. Rajan added that all safety measures will be enforced for the fireworks display. Crowd control for the fireworks will be implemented only after the main Pooram events conclude at night. Considering the ongoing heatwave, shaded structures and emergency medical setups, including ambulances, will be made available. To enhance the experience for tourists, viewing galleries have been arranged this year as well. On May 6, visitors who register by 12 noon at the DTPC office with valid ID (such as passport) will be given special access to view the Kudamattam ceremony.
