Newly elected Corporation Town Planning standing committee chairperson Palayam Rajan said here on Friday that addressing people’s grievances on delay in securing building permits and issues related to environment were some of the issues on his priority list.
Mr. Rajan told The Hindu that he would carry forward the work begun by the former chairperson R. Satheeshkumar under the leadership of Mayor V.K. Prasanth, but would also take up initiatives related to the People’s Plan for 2018-19.
Strict action would be taken by the Corporation against illegal encroachments, he said. The Corporation’s steps to ensure adherence to time limit for drawing up plans and priority of applications would be streamlined.
Issues related to the environment would be given attention. Rainwater harvesting, for instance, was the need of the hour, and in days to come it would be made mandatory. This was necessary to address problems such as drinking water shortage and rainwater run-off.
Disaster management was another focus area. “One day of heavy rain is enough to throw life out of gear in the city. The Corporation should have necessary equipment and manpower to remove waste and ensure flow of water. This will help ensure there is no loss of lives. The Corporation had a project for this, and it would be implemented effectively in association with the Health and Public Works wings, he said.
“It may not be possible to achieve everything all at once, but the Town Planning committee can make a difference as part of the city Corporation’s vision and in tune with the master plan, Mr. Rajan said.