The City Corporation has identified seven spots in the city where the public could park their vehicles when out in the streets for Onam shopping. They are also toying with the idea of implementing pay-n-use system in three schools which are part of the parking plan.
Putharikandam, like last year, will remain one of the major parking lots during Onam. Three schools, which could be accessed for parking are Fort High School, Attakulangara UPS and SMV High School. Other than these, University College, Kerala University campus, Palayam and Sanskrit College are the other three spots identified.
A meeting called by Mayor K Chandrika to discuss Onam festivities and the urgent steps to be taken to make things hassle-free for the public discussed the plan in detail with the Traffic officials on Saturday. ‘’We are thinking of implementing the pay and use system in the schools included in the parking spots identified as that could mean a lot to the schools which are actually not in a good financial condition. A little money earned in this way with the help of the PTA could help them. Specially, Fort and Attakulangara schools,’’ said Works Standing Committee Chairman V S Padmakumar.
The Corporation also arrived at a conclusion as to what to be done with the flocking of street vendors during Onam to the city. ‘’We have decided to allow free sales for them as usual but our licence will be a must,’’ said Padmakumar. The Corporation will issue applications for street vendors on two days - August 22 and 23. On August 24, based on the applications, the police would conduct a scrutiny with the support of the Health officials. From August 25, the street vendors whose applications pass the scrutiny could start their sales.
The street vendors will be allowed to put up their wares on the Central Theatre Road and at Putharikandam Maidan (a small portion in the front). They can continue the sales till September 3, when the Onam celebrations come to a close.
But if there are applications to run small eateries or ‘thattu kadas’, then the Corporation will take extra care in allowing them, said officials. Mostly vendors approach for selling clothes, they said.
Meanwhile, the Corporation has plans to deck up the Corporation office for Onam illuminations as usual, even if that means a sharp rise in electricity bills. The high-mast lights of the Corporation would all be lighted up during the days along with the illuminations. However, amidst all the fun and frolic, the issues of waste management that are likely to crop up during the festival still remain a puzzle for the Corporation.
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