KOZHIKODE: Experts suggest a holistic plan to end the mess in the city created by the endless traffic blocks, mushrooming highrises and inflow of people from villages. What the city requires is a foolproof master plan with a long-term outlook.
Prompted by young professionals wanting to return from abroad and other Indian cities, many multinational software companies are looking for space in Cyber Park and Uralungal Cyber Park and more than 20 firms are already here.
Dr Saji Gopinath of Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode feels the city needs a “proper expansion corridor”.
Elathur-Meenchantha bypass turned into a business hub first. Then it was extended to the second Pantheerankavu-Thondayad-Vengali bypass where new businesses have sprung up.
“What we need now is an outward growth,” he told DC. “We should also ensure buffer zones around business clusters and retain the city’s traditional charm by not allowing high rises to replace old buildings.”
District collector N. Prasanth feels the waste management needed special attention, ensuring timely removal of the garbage. The city also needs more shelters for the poor, homeless and aged.
“Why we have no waste bins in the city?” he asked. “We should ensure waste bins (installed) wherever necessary.” He also suggests more WiFi hotspots that would be a “selling point” when multinationals weigh their options.
Mayor V.K.C. Mammed Koya said he would constitute an expert panel for preparing a master plan taking Indian Institute of Management and NIT Kozhikode on board. “We would plan things given the needs of future,” he told DC.
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