Kochi: Stating that the LDF government’s policy is to ensure sustainable development, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday, however, charged that a section of society is still against development projects and wanted no progress to come despite changing times. His comments assume significance in the wake of the ongoing stir in Keezhattur village in Kannur district where 'Vayalkilikal', a residents' collective, is opposing reclamation of paddy fields for the construction of a National Highway bypass.
“The government wants to implement all those developments projects which won’t affect environment for ensuring a better living condition to the future generation. “However, certain sections are out with protests. They are bent upon creating hurdles to development projects which are need of the hour,” Vijayan said, while launching the state’s first CNG fuel outlet here. The chief minister pointed out that the vehicle population in the state is growing at an alarming rate and the road couldn’t handle the traffic volume, resulting in heavy traffic congestion in towns and cities. “The current state of roads and the public transportation should improve drastically if we wanted any solution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pinarayi Vijayan said the government would take all steps for propping up the loss-making Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, including rolling out more CNG buses. Transport Minister A K Saseendran too said the government would roll out 1000 CNG buses in the first phase, the funds for which are already allocated in the budget. “A director board meet of the KSRTC on Monday will decide on purchase of 900 new buses. It will also include CNG buses. Converting to the green fuel will not only cut the operating expense but also will help in operational efficiency,” he said.
The RTC will also roll out CNG buses for operating superclass buses once the Green Tribunal issues verdict regarding conversion to clean fuel in big cities. The first CNG bus started operating in the Vytilla-Vytilla circular route from Thursday. The bus, however, will be with Aluva depot. It goes to Vytilla daily at 6.10 am and returns to the depot at 5.30 pm
