KOCHI: Fort Kochi RDO S. Suhas leaves for a new assignment as Director, Planning Board and Deputy Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs after a successful two-and-a-half year stint during which he undertook a slew of reforms. This include making the office paperless, stopping filling of paddy fields, pruning branches of dangerously perching old trees in the area and boosting tourism as secretary of District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). He took on board people’s representatives while undertaking these initiatives while people had an accessible divisional magistrate in him.
He could help colony residents in Ooravely and Chakkamadom get title deeds for land. Under his initiative, an adalat was conducted at North Paravur for the first time in which several cases were settled. In 2015 he was chosen as the best sub-collector in the state by the Revenue Department. In recognition to his role in settling various issues related Smart City project at Kakkanad, he was given an award by the Chief Minister.
By constructively intervening in the issues in Aluva Thrikkunnathu Seminari, he could bring peace. He also made Fort Kochi beach cleaning a weekly affair. He also began organic farming near Kochi Taluk Office and promoted it in association with the Jain Foundation prompting several residents in the division to pursue organic farming.
During his tenure as DTPC secretary, the Marine Drive-Chathyath walkway and Muvattupuzha river front beautification were completed while over half a dozen projects are in different stages now. Another half a dozen projects including establishing a beach circuit of small beaches in the district is on anvil. “With great satisfaction I am leaving the place after being able to do a lot for the people. I could strike a rare chord with the people most of whom were poor and solve many issues related to them,” said Mr Suhas about his stint.
