Thiruvanathapuram: Central Business District area, comprising East Fort, Chalai, Thampanoor and Chengalchoola, got the maximum votes through EVMs and ballots in the Smart City polling, according to sources in the Corporation. Bypass-Heritage Canal Corridor Area came second, while Medical College/General Hospital Area came third. This is not the final result, as online polling for the Smart City will be continuing till midnight. But Corporation officials say that it was most likely to reflect the same results.
Kazhakkoottam area is in fourth place. If at all, there is massive online voting for this area, it will make it to the final shortlist of three areas. 54,462 votes were registered through EVMs. Ballots were placed inside the Corporation office, at Thampanoor bus stand and a few other places on Monday to increase the votes. Adding the ballot votes, the count has exceeded 90,000 votes. The criteria in Smart City – that 10 per cent of the city’s population or 1 lakh people should participate in decision making – will be achieved when online votes are counted, an official said.
The proposed project for CBD area imagines it as an organised and thriving city centre with easy accessibility, an enhanced tourist experience and a well-conserved rich heritage and culture. The Medical College and General Hospital area are envisioned as a specialised city medical district that delivers healthcare with innovative, world-class research and education. The vision for the Historic Waterway and Kovalam-Kazhakootam Corridor is to revive TS canal and develop it into a waterway, so that the canal and bypass becomes an integrated water and land transit corridor. There will be recreational spaces here catering to both citizens and tourists alike, if it is realised. Once the three areas are finalised, the technical committee will meet to thrash out project proposals out, and choose the most feasible area from the lot.
