positive aspects of this plan, I would still be concerned about how fast the implementation of the development Master Plan could be. There is no dearth of Master Plans in our state, but it is the implementation plan that miserably fails most of the time.
Talking about the roads of Trivandrum, it needs a total road system combining highways, approach roads, ring roads, road corridors, and their proper management. Rainwater management and watershed management have to be given priority. Ponds,
wetlands, streams, rivers of this region have to be restored.
Greening the entire Trivandrum region through planned social forestry efforts should go with it. Planting trees should be a major initiative. Greenlungs have to be developed at different parts of the city even at the outer areas.
Trivandrum city should be made a place good for outdoor activities, with squares, and open areas, where only pedestrians are allowed. It should have more recreational facilities and centres. The city should have a continuous environment management programme taking care of the flora and fauna. The wealth and the strength of Thiruvananthapuram are heritage structures, monuments, and historical landmarks. Restoration, preservation and exhibition of these landmarks have to find place in the plan. Congestion on the roads, traffic jam and lack of parking facilities are the biggest problems faced. Private investors should be invited for joint venture projects for developing commercial parking. Though the
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
July 2013
METRO mart