DDC approves special cost index proposal for Munroe Thuruthu

It was pointed out that applying a uniform cost index across the district disadvantages areas like Munroe Thuruthu, where the difficulty of transporting materials often discourages contractors from participating in tenders

The District Development Committee (DDC) has approved a proposal to introduce a special cost index for Munroe Thuruthu. The directive was issued during a meeting held in the presence of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister P. C. Vishnunadh, after Abraham Samuel, representing Kodikunnil Suresh MP, pointed out that applying a uniform cost index across the district disadvantages areas like Munroe Thuruthu, where the difficulty of transporting materials often discourages contractors from participating in tenders.

The DDC also directed departments concerned to immediately clear trees cut along roadsides and intensify food safety inspections across hotels and eateries in the district. The decision to clear felled trees along PWD roads came following complaints from public representatives regarding traffic disruptions caused by the debris. They also called for rigorous food safety drives similar to the recent ‘Operation Thelima’ inspections.

Addressing specific development projects, Mr. Vishnunadh instructed officials to conduct an immediate site visit to the newly identified location for the Kundara KSRTC bus station. Furthermore, responding to concerns raised by the representative of Forest Minister Shibu Baby John regarding delays in the Kannettimukku–Shaktikulangara National Highway construction, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project director said that instructions have been issued to the contractor to expedite the work.

Several urban infrastructure issues were addressed during the session. In response to an inquiry from Minister Bindu Krishna’s representative regarding waterlogging along Vadakkumbhagam Link Road in Kollam Corporation, the municipal secretary said that steps have been initiated to tender the construction of a new drainage line. Regarding waste accumulation near the Kollam Boat Jetty Link Road, a ₹1.5 crore tender has been floated to clean the lake, while the Corporation confirmed that grills have been installed at three locations to prevent waste entering Ashtamudi Lake, with daily waste removal being carried out.

Representatives also raised several other pressing issues, including the dilapidated state of the Karunagappally taluk office, poor living conditions at the Kuriyottumala tribal colony in Piravanthur panchayat, the exclusion of human habitations from ecologically sensitive zones, the stray dog menace, and delays in land conversion procedures.

District Collector Annie Jula Thomas presided over the meeting, which was attended by MLAs Ullas Kovoor and A. M. Naseer, alongside representatives of various elected members of the Assembly and Parliament from the district.