Thrissur – The cultural capital of Kerala that has paved way for the saffron party to open its account with Super star Suresh Gopi taking oath as union Minister of State for Tourism, already has a long wish list ranging from finding a solution to the transport congestion to effective waste management to conducting a people friendly Thrissur pooram – the festival that puts Thrissur in the cultural tourism map.
The actor-politician who now hold top portfolios already has proved himself when it comes to deliver on promises, especially on charity and public services. Suresh Gopi is known to the public as someone who has been serving the needy, especially the downtrodden either by providing financial assistance or facilitating with the required support – be it during Covid-19 pandemic or allocating funds for the development of ‘Shakthan’ market.
However, as a minister for state, the public is looking at him as public servant who can work with the support of the government machinery and ensure the long pending projects and grievances of the public is addressed and resolved in a time-bound manner, a challenge the new minister will have to take up and will be judged by the people and also subjected to criticism.
Extension of Kochi metro to Thrissur
One of the biggest projects that is already been discussed among the people of Thrissur is the extension of Kochi metro to Thrissur – a demand that the actor-politician himself has been asserting at multiple occasions and which is already a matter of discussion. As per many who spoke to TV9, the metro extension will be a boon to those travelling from Thrissur to Ernakulam on a daily basis as it is set to reduce travel time from two hours to 30 minutes. The project will be a game-changer for all the residents and those travelling to Info-park (One of the largest IT parks in the south) and the international airport in Kochi.
“The metro project if implemented will reduce the travel time and traffic congestion and thus help the commuters connecting both the major cities”, said Binoj CV to TV9, a senior manager working in Kochi Shipyard commuting between Thrissur and Ernakulam daily.
Suresh Gopi, now being a union minister can intervene in the matter and take up the project with the help of the state government, he added
A people-friendly ‘Thrissur pooram’
Thrissur pooram is in many ways connected emotionally with the people of Thrissur celebrates the festival in all its grandeur which involves fire works and temple rituals – a visual delight every Keralite takes immense pride. However, there are concerns from the authorities (Paramekavu and Thiruvambady Devaswom, the two boards that conduct the festival). One of them is the unnecessary police interference where the cops pressurize the temple authorities to cut short on the fireworks. This happened in the previous festival leading to protest from the public.
“Fireworks and bands are very much part of the festival. When the police intervene and stops it, people are bound to react in a harsh manner leading to skirmishes”, said Kuttan Thambi, a percussion artist who has been associated with the festival for years.
Another major concern is the distance between the fire-line (Where fireworks are displayed) and the spectators. The organizers have been demanding to reduce the distance from 100 meters to 50 meters.
“We have been demanding the reduction in the distance so that the public gets a closer view and hence get to view the fireworks in its full grandeur and beauty”, said K Rajesh, secretary of Paramekavu Devaswom.
He also added that the government and the wild life department should grant permission to parade more captive domestic elephants for the Pooram festival.
“Suresh Gopi who is well aware of all these issues can coordinate with the various departments and the state government to find an amicable solution”, he added.
Allocation of land deeds to people in Ollur forest region
A major concern that has been raised apart from the metro extension is the allocation of land deeds and certificates to more than 5000 people living near the Ollur forest region. The demand has been long pending; however, the consecutive state governments have ignored the matter.
“Ollur is a place where there are more than 5000 people who have not received their land title even after the court verdict stating that it to be allotted to all those who have registration of land before 1977. Suresh Gopi, who is been elected from Thrissur and now a minister in the union cabinet can intervene and find a solution”, said KC Varky, a shopkeeper in Ollur residing in the region for the past 40 years.
Solution for traffic congestion
Traffic congestion within the city and in the outskirts have been a burning and yet unaddressed by the elected representatives for decades. The city, as per the residents becomes choked as traffic snarls and congestion is a day-to-day affair.
An elevated highway from Mannuthi to Choondal is one of the long pending demands of the residents in the city. Even though a study has been conducted on its feasibility, no major progress has been achieved on this regard.
“The city becomes extremely congested post 4pm and it becomes extremely difficult for the commuters to move out of the city. The newly elected minister Suresh Gopi can find a solution to this issue and we are hoping that he will take special interest”, said Girija, owner of Girija theatre in Thrissur.
She also added that an efficient waste management system needs to be in the place as currently all the industrial and hotel wastes are been dumped in to the streams flowing through the outskirts of the city causing major inconvenience to the public.
The actor-politician who now hold top portfolios already has proved himself when it comes to deliver on promises, especially on charity and public services. Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
