THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It seems even the Government too is not interested in PWD roads. While trees are being cut for road development on one side, the Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Company Limited (TRDCL), the Forest Department and some environmentalists are all concentrating on a single stretch of road for planting trees in the city.While the TRDCL has planted around 52 bohemia trees on the one-km stretch connecting Sasthamangalam and Vellayambalam, the Forest Department is planning to set up 100 potted plants as part of its Social Forestry Programme.Also, actor Suresh Gopi has secured permission to plant saplings of shady trees on the same road. Though the city has many other roads, beautification of a single stretch by too many groups has raised many an eyebrow.The Forest Department is planning to set up 100 potted plants on the stretch. The Department will supply cement pots and plants. However, they cannot bear the responsibility of maintenance.“The TRDCL has asked for Rs 500 per pot per month as the maintenance cost, for which the Forest Department did not agree since its budget is just Rs 100 per pot. After discussions, the TRDCL has brought down the amount to Rs 200. Discussions are on to form a consensus on the maintenance cost,” said a senior KRFB official.When asked about too many interests over a single stretch, he said that the KRFB was helpless. “Intervention of third party into the corridor of KRFB is a violation of the concession agreement. TRDCL is responsible for maintaining the stretch for 15 years. But when the government asks, we have to oblige,” he added.The stretch was upgraded and beautified by the TRDCL more than a year ago. There were allegations that the trees planted by the TRDCL were too short and could not provide enough shade.Meanwhile, actor Suresh Gopi came up with a proposal to plant shady trees. Discussions were held with the KSEB to change the electric lines to underground cable so that the growth of the trees wouldn’t be compromised. The KESB is yet to file an estimate on the work.Both the KRFB and the TRDCL are in a Catch-22 situation over the excitement over the road developed by them. “We took much effort to develop the stretch. We request all groups not to disturb the public,” said the KRFB official.
Comments
0 comment