Latest news with #UmaThomas
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Moolampilly committee submits report on poor condition of Thuthiyoor resettlement land to MLA
Kochi: Members of Moolampilly package implementation monitoring committee submitted a report to Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas on Monday regarding poor condition of the alternative land in Thuthiyoor. This land was assigned to evictees as part of rehabilitation of those displaced by Vallarpadam container transshipment terminal project. In their report, the members, led by CR Neelakandan, visited resettlement areas provided to the evicted in Thuthiyoor village. They submitted that, except for five people, no one has built a house because houses constructed there are sinking. A total of 184 families were compulsorily displaced in 2008 for the project and received land in Thuthiyoor area of Thrikkakara municipality. Report stated that even the monitoring committee, chaired by district collector, set up by govt to make the resettlement process efficient, is reluctant to convene a meeting. The first meeting was convened on June 27, 2024. None of the assurances given by collector and officials in that meeting were implemented. Committee members visited the house of Vidyadharan, who constructed a house on the land at Thuthiyoor. They requested the MLA to apply pressure on district collector to take immediate measures, including reinforcing the side of the stream passing nearby. "Ensure that the monitoring committee for resettlement meets regularly and implements the assurances given in a timely manner," the report said. Other members of the committee include Francis Kalathinkal, Kuruvila Mathews and Eloor Gopinath.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala govt launches technology advancement programme for women farmers through Kudumbashree
Kochi: State is set to launch Kudumbashree Technology Advancement Programme (K-TAP), aimed at modernizing agricultural sector and providing sustainable income for women farmers. State-level inauguration of the project will be done by LSGD minister M B Rajesh on Monday morning as part of technology conclave organized in Kakkanad. The conclave is held to exchange technologies and sign memorandums of understanding with institutions partnered with Kudumbashree and to explain the project. In collaboration with renowned agricultural technology research institutions in India, Kudumbashree acquired over 180 technologies related to the project. Kudumbashree aims to make significant progress in this field through production of value-added products using modern technology. Farmers will have access to technologies necessary for increasing agricultural production. New technologies will be utilized to manufacture various value-added products meeting export quality standards. This project will pave way for income enhancement for over four lakh farmers under Kudumbashree. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubra ofertas de voos imperdíveis Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo The project will also provide various licences and certifications required for entrepreneurs in value-added product manufacturing, branding, packaging and food product manufacturing sectors. Certifications and food safety standards necessary for marketing Kudumbashree agricultural products in national and international markets will be ensured through the project. Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas will preside over the event. Representatives from several renowned agricultural technology research institutions in India will participate in the conclave. Kudumbashree executive director H Dineshan will deliver the welcome address. Kudumbashree programme officer S Shanavas will explain the project details.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NHAI to allow debarred firm HEC Pvt Ltd to prepare revised DPR for proposed Edappally- Aroor elevated highway?
Kochi: Bhopal-based Highway Engineering Consultants (HEC) Pvt Ltd, recently debarred by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) after the collapse of under-construction NH 66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram, may be retained by NHAI to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed elevated highway from Edappally to Aroor. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A senior official of NHAI's Kochi office said that HEC will continue as the DPR consultant of the project as they were already involved in the DPR preparation process. A statement issued by NHAI on Thursday had said that "HEC was barred from current and future bids." Meanwhile, an HEC official said it was up to NHAI to take a final decision on the matter. The involvement of the agency that was already held accountable for a highway collapse has triggered concerns, with local representatives and social organisations raising strong objections and questioning the credibility and continued role of the consultant in such a critical infrastructure project. Road safety expert Upendra Narayanan emphasised the critical importance of the DPR stage in infrastructure development. "The preparation of the DPR is a decisive phase that shapes the future of any project. Appointing a firm already facing serious allegations must be considered carefully. Ensuring the safety of the proposed elevated highway is paramount," he said. The existing Edappally-Vyttila-Aroor stretch of NH 66 daily handles over 1 lakh passenger car units (PCUs) on an average and NHAI is planning to construct an elevated highway on a viaduct on this stretch. The stretch is critical as there are already three flyovers and a part of the Metro line also passes through the route. Last year, HEC submitted the DPR with the design of the elevated highway to NHAI. But NHAI asked the consultants to revise the DPR as the agency failed to consider the Kochi Metro viaduct of the proposed JLN Stadium-Kakkanad Metro line, which would be crossing at the Palarivattom Junction. The process of revising the DPR is ongoing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "As experts have already pointed out that fault in the design of the road was the reason for highway collapse in Kooriyad, the role of the same agency in designing the elevated highway in Kochi is a matter of concern. I will discuss the issue with the district collector as we need strict supervision on the implementation of the project, from design to the completion of the project," said Uma Thomas MLA. "Design of a project like the elevated highway is a key factor as any fault in the design will affect the stability of the entire structure. The agency's role in the elevated highway is a matter of concern. Authorities should ensure strong monitoring of the project implementation," K Babu, MLA said. "HEC's involvement in the DPR preparation is a matter that deserves serious attention, given the allegations against the agency. However, this should not hinder the overall progress of the project," said Hibi Eden, MP.
