representative image Thiruvananthapuram, Municipal council ready to begin construction residential complex in Priyadarshini Nagar to accommodate the families of Vikalanga Colony But Muttathara as part of Thanal Housing Project,
This project is an important step towards improving housing for the disabled community members living in Vikasanga Colony for almost five decades.
The original plan proposed a three-storey complex, but due to objections from nearby residents in Bangladesh Colony and the need for clearance from the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the Corporation revised the design to a two-storey building.
This adjustment expedited the project’s approval and with AAI’s No Objection Certificate secured, construction work is scheduled to begin in January.
Uralungal Labor Construction Co-operative Society (ULCCS) was awarded a contract worth Rs 20 crore for this housing initiative, and initial grassroots efforts are already underway.
According to development standing committee chairperson and Vallakadavu ward councilor Shajida Nassar, the project will provide housing for 136 families, with each apartment having 550 square feet of living space. Nassar said, “All hurdles have been cleared, and we are moving forward with the two-story structure. Soil testing has been completed, and we are now ready to begin construction.”
The Thanal project is initially spread over two acres of land set aside for the rehabilitation of fishermen affected by sea erosion. The families of these fishermen will now get housing under the ‘Punargeham’ project on newly allotted land in Muttathara.
In parallel, a separate apartment complex will be constructed at Muttathara for the families of 102 fishermen, who are currently living in temporary shelters at the Valiyathura warehouse. This new complex consisting of 400 flats with two bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen is designed to provide a stable, dignified living environment to the fishermen.
Apartment complexes aim to not only provide shelter but also improve the overall quality of life for the families living in it. With an estimated completion time of 18 months, the Thanal project symbolizes the commitment of the state government to meet the housing needs among vulnerable communities.
By providing safe accommodation and better living conditions, this initiative aims to uplift the disabled residents of Vikasanga Colony and provide a fresh start to the families of fishermen facing displacement.
