Kochi Corporation Launches Major Drive Against Unauthorized Advertisements
The Kochi Corporation has announced a comprehensive inspection drive to tackle the proliferation of unauthorized digital advertisement boards and illegal hoardings across the city. This initiative aims to identify violations of established norms and ensure public safety and convenience.
Inspection of Master Boards and Illegal Hoardings
Corporation authorities will conduct detailed inspections to determine the total number of master boards, which are electronic advertisement boards, installed in Kochi. The drive will specifically check if any violations of the approved norms are present. According to V K Minimol, the corporation secretary has been entrusted with this task. The inspection will assess whether the private agency, approved by the previous council to set up master boards, has installed more boards than permitted. Additionally, it will evaluate if these boards are positioned in a manner that causes inconvenience to pedestrians and vehicles.
V K Minimol emphasized, "The secretary should conduct an inspection and see if the firm has installed more than the approved number of master boards. Similarly, the inspection will also assess whether the boards have been installed in a manner that causes inconvenience to pedestrians and vehicles. If any violations are found, action should be taken. The secretary should submit a report on the drive at the next meeting of the corporation council."
This issue was initially raised by opposition leader V A Sreejith, who highlighted that several master boards are causing difficulties for both pedestrians and motorists. In a parallel effort, the mayor has directed town planning standing committee chairperson P M Naseema to lead a separate drive to identify and address illegal hoardings in the city.
Additional Civic Issues Addressed
During the council meeting, several other civic concerns were discussed. Councillors reported that LED streetlights installed by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) in various parts of the city are currently defunct. In response, Mayor Minimol stated that works standing committee chairman T K Asharaf would hold discussions with CSML officials on Friday to resolve this issue. A decision on the future course of action will be made based on the outcome of this meeting.
Furthermore, the corporation has initiated a special drive for mosquito control, which began on Tuesday. Minimol noted that the sprayers and fogging machines procured by the previous council had been non-functional. "We repaired all those machines and deployed 232 workers to carry out fogging and spraying," she said, underscoring the corporation's commitment to public health.
Update on Indira Canteen Initiative
Regarding the Indira Canteen project, the mayor clarified that it would not be launched using the Samridhi@Kochi kitchens. Instead, the local body will identify suitable locations to set up the canteens, with plans to roll out the new facility in February. This move aims to ensure proper implementation and accessibility for residents.
The corporation's multi-faceted approach reflects its dedication to improving urban infrastructure and addressing citizen grievances promptly. These initiatives are expected to enhance the quality of life in Kochi by reducing visual clutter, improving public safety, and tackling health hazards.
