Corpn. urges State govt. to expedite Mananchira–Vellimadukunnu road project

The Kozhikode Corporation Council, through a resolution, has urged the State government to complete the Mananchira-Vellimadukunnu Road development project, including the second phase.

The delay in tender proceedings for the 3.3-km second phase from Malaparamba to Vellimadukunnu, despite receiving the No-Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is highly condemnable, said UDF councillor K.C. Shobitha, who moved the resolution at the meeting held on Tuesday (February 17).

“Although the Public Works department (PWD) had announced that the work would be completed by January 2026 and dedicated to the people as a New Year gift, not even half the project has been completed so far. The government and the department concerned have shown complete negligence,” Ms. Shobitha alleged.

The ruling front councillors, however, rejected the allegation that the delay was due to the State government’s negligence, saying that technical sanction for the second phase was expected soon.

Following discussions, the council unanimously urged the PWD and the State government to complete the project at the earliest, as it was crucial for easing traffic congestion in the city.

The meeting decided to identify feeding spots in the city for stray dogs. Suitable locations will be identified and boards installed at such places. The move is aimed at resolving issues arising from feeding dogs at multiple locations.

The project will be implemented in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, in line with the Supreme Court directive. Feeding spots will be determined after considering the number of stray dogs within the civic body limits and their roaming areas.

Feeding spots will not be permitted in areas where children play, in crowded places, or in locations frequently used by senior citizens and children. Those feeding dogs should not dump food waste at the designated spots, and the area must be kept clean after feeding.

Mayor O. Sadasivan said ward councillors should suggest suitable locations in their respective wards to be designated as feeding spots.

Sharp criticism was raised at the meeting against certain officials for allegedly keeping files pending unnecessarily and failing to discharge their duties properly. The issue surfaced during a discussion on the failure to transport waste collected by the Haritha Karma Sena due to the breakdown of CNG vehicles. Councillor Shobitha alleged that a file related to spending just ₹6,000 for repairing a CNG vehicle had been pending in the Engineering wing for the past three months. The Mayor assured the Council that the matter would be taken seriously and that strict action would be initiated against those found responsible after an inquiry.

The meeting also discussed drinking water supply issues in the city and decided to convene a meeting with officials of the Kerala Water Authority to find a solution.

Through another resolution, the council urged the State government to include the Poolakadavu ‘Pakal Veedu’ under the ‘Sayamprabha Home’ project of the Social Justice department.