The backward colonies in the district are likely to see better days, with the state government allotting funds for their development. About 10 colonies are all set to get a facelift. A total of Rs 1 crore each will be distributed to the selected colonies. They include Kurumkotta colony in Cheranalloore panchayat, Pulayas colony in Elamkunnapuzha panchayat, Mini colony in Puthenvelikkara panchayat, Glass colony in Kalamassery municipality, Thirunarayanapuram colony in Kanjoor panchayat, Pootholly colony in Maneed panchayat, Ayirapuram colony in Mazhuvannur panchayat, Paipra colony in Paipra panchayat, Kunnara colony in Tripunithura municipality and Vengholamkunnu colony in Chengamanadu panchayat.
According to Tommy Chacko, district development officer for schedule caste, the selection was based on the strength of the scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) people in the area. “The respective local body members and MLAs helped in the selection procedures,” Tommy said.
The colonies have been neglected for long and it’s high time some financial aid was extended to them. “The funds will be mainly utilised to provide basic amenities and for infrastructure development. Most of the houses in the colonies lack doors and windows. Only a few houses are well furnished. Sufficient financial aid will be given to repair the houses. Some of the colonies lack access to electricity and are facing acute water shortage. Focus will be given for electrification and water supply,” he said.
Priority will be given to upgrade the sanitation facilities and to ensure that hygiene is maintained. “Our study reveals the people in the colonies use common toilets. Some, families have private bathrooms but they are poorly maintained. The toilet enclosures are made of tarpaulin sheets,” he said.
The Forest Industries Travancore (FIT) Ltd, Aluva, has been entrusted with the implementation of the project. FIT officials said that the project would be implemented within a couple of weeks in the district. “We have already floated e-tenders but we are yet to get a response. We are hopeful of completing the tender procedures within a few weeks. Once the project starts, it will be completed within six months’ time,” he said.
There are plans to make the people in colonies self-reliant. “The people will be provided with domestic animals under the self-employment scheme,” the official said.
Meanwhile, social activists said that funds allotted are hardly used for implementation of projects. “The funds must be utilised properly for the welfare of the people in colonies. Any kind of fund misuse should be dealt with firmly,” they said.
The selected Ten
■ Kurumkotta colony in Cheranalloore panchayat, Pulayas colony in Elamkunnapuzha panchayat, Mini colony in Puthenvelikkara panchayat, Glass colony in Kalamassery municipality, Thirunarayanapuram colony in Kanjoor panchayat, Pootholly colony in Maneed panchayat, Ayirapuram colony in Mazhuvannur panchayat, Paipra colony in Paipra panchayat, Kunnara colony in Tripunithura municipality and Vengholamkunnu colony in Chengamanadu panchayat have been selected for facelift