“ Being the capital city, the rate of infrastructure development will be more here than other cities. Focusing on tourism and service sector and augmenting developmental activities in these sectors would be beneficial for Thiruvananthapuram.”
road renovation and repair in the city. Organizations such as Kudumbasree are not going to bring about drastic change.
It can be continued only as a poverty alleviation program. A most favorable plan to develop Thiruvananthapuram is to promote service sector. Service sector includes Education, IT, Health, etc.
There do not seem to be a go-back for Thiruvananthapuram in the primary sector development. Even in the suburbs, real estate development is reducing agricultural land.
Scope for development in the secondary sector is also limited. Other than Vizhinjam harbor, there do not seem to be any more major industries coming up.
As an industry, there is scope for development in international tourism in centres like Kovalam, Ponmudi, Varkala, Neyyar Dam among others. Connectivity to other destinations and infrastructure facilities in the city is much more when compared to other cities.
Concerted effort of Government and tourism officials can pave way for growth in Tourism. Domestic tourists should also be brought in.
Development of IT Parks would assist the tourism sector. Even though huge investment is made in tourism area, the development is not proportionate. Target-oriented approach is needed.
Systematic monitoring mechanism is not there. What we can do, what facilities are required for the tourists, what is the gap?
Government initiative in this approach is less. For example, in Kovalam it is mostly private players; government programs are less.
Pilgrim centers like Sivagiri should be further developed by the government. Pilgrim tourism, Dental tourism, Eco tourism all these areas should be pursued. Government should initiate package tours connecting all these sections to attract more tourists.
Comparing Ernakulam, even in 2030, Thiruvananthapuram will be lagging. At no time would the city be able to overtake Ernakulam.
Development approach in both cities is different. Business-oriented approach to development is carried out in Ernakulam. Here we do not have it.
The current developmental gap of Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam and Kozhikode will be the same even in 2030.
Being the capital city, the rate of infrastructure development will be more here than other cities. Focusing on tourism and service sector and augmenting developmental activities in these sectors would be beneficial for Thiruvananthapuram. www. metromartdaily. com July 2013 25