Kerala: Mayor plans for a better capital

Thiruvananthapuram: With hardly 10 months left for the local body elections, newly-elected Mayor K. Sreekumar is confident of ensuring a comprehensive development of the state capital during his term. The public delivery system would be made more efficient and punching system would be introduced to improve the efficiency of the corporation staff, he told reporters here on Thursday.

"Meetings would be convened with the staff unions to implement punching and set up CCTV surveillance at the corporation office. We are sure the association will not have any objection," he added.  The corporation staff and councillors should work hand-in- hand to ensure smooth services to the public, he said.

On the show-cause notice issued by the State Pollution Control Board, he said the civic body had given a detailed reply and that a hearing would be held on Saturday. The PCB has imposed a fine of Rs 14.58 crore on the corporation for not following the solid waste management rules.

More homes would be constructed for the homeless in the state capital. Efforts would be taken to ensure the speedy implementation of centrally- sponsored schemes.  The long-pending convention centre project at Jagathy will take off soon. A modern abattoir and crematorium at Kazhakoottam are other projects to be implemented immediately.