Latest news with #CochinSmartMissionLimited
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Streetlight woes continue in Kochi city
Kochi: Despite claims that the LED streetlight project in Kochi is nearing completion, several parts of the city continue to remain in darkness, with both new and old streetlights lying dysfunctional for months. While the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is implementing the project, the lack of timely repairs and poor inter-agency coordination have left many residents frustrated. The Rs 40-crore LED project aims to replace all existing streetlights within the corporation limits with energy-efficient LED lamps to improve illumination and reduce electricity bills. Initially scheduled for completion in Dec 2023, the deadline was extended to Dec 2024. CSML now claims that the major implementation work will be completed by the end of July 2025. However, on the ground, lighting failures persist across multiple areas—both where new lights were installed and where old ones remain unreplaced. According to residents and councillors, maintenance has been poor, and repairs often take months. CSML blames the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for not cooperating, particularly when it comes to power connections and maintenance support. "I've been raising the issue of defunct streetlights on the Ponnurunni overbridge for over a year and a half," said RTI activist TN Prathapan. "Despite notifying the corporation, CSML, and even the LSG minister, the area remains unlit. A fatal accident involving a father and son happened here, and poor lighting was a factor." Councillors have raised similar concerns with the corporation and CSML. "In many areas like Manappattipparambu Road, Girinagar, Fort Kochi, Eravely, Karippalam, Mattancherry, Moolamkuzhy, Edakochi and Palluruthy, streetlights are not functioning. CSML keeps citing lack of KSEB support," said Antony Kureethra, opposition leader in Kochi Corporation. UDF parliamentary party secretary MG Aristotle pointed out that the project was expected to slash electricity bills. "Earlier, before switching over to LED lights, the monthly bill was Rs 1.5 crore. In April 2025, it was Rs 1.24 crore and in May and June, Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 1.29 crore, respectively. The goal was a 40% reduction," he said. Public figure CICC Jayachandran added that lights in even key areas like MG Road and SA Road have not been functioning. "After I raised the issue, the mayor intervened and got some lights repaired on SA Road," he said. CSML officials said they will focus on repairs next month. "As of now, our aim is to complete the project. We've procured 1,500 smart meters, of which 850 are installed. Once fully operational, they will help streamline maintenance and reduce electricity costs," an official said.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corporation starts distributing kiosks to rehabilitate street vendors
Kochi: As part of a move to rehabilitate street vendors in the city, the Kochi corporation started distributing kiosks, designed and procured by Cochin Smart Mission Limited, to them. On Tuesday, 56 vendors in Fort Kochi received kiosks. "The corporation is conducting the activities according to the 2014 Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act. The act specifies the identification, registration of vendors and establishment of vending zones. The elected town vending committee plays a crucial role in implementing the law. As per the law's recommendation, a survey was conducted with the help of various agencies, identifying 2,351 street vendors within the corporation limits. A total of 69 vending zones have been approved to rehabilitate them," mayor M Anilkumar said. By law, it was mandatory for municipalities to have a specific vending bylaw. Councillors P S Viju, Priya Prashanth, Antony Kureethra and Minimol V K were tasked with preparing the bylaw. The draft bylaw was then submitted to the govt with the approval of the town vending committee and the corporation council and received govt approval on Oct 9, 2023. The vending plan was approved by the govt on June 27, 2024. "It is a matter of pride that Kochi is the first in Kerala's urban local bodies to have an approved street vending bylaw, vending plan and recognised vending zones. The bylaw prepared by the corporation now serves as a guide for other municipalities," Anilkumar said. The distribution of kiosks was inaugurated by the mayor at a ceremony presided over by deputy mayor K A Ansiya.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Opposition alleges lapses in Kochi corporation's pre-monsoon cleaning drive
KOCHI: Highlighting the non-removal of debris taken out from canals and drains in the city, the opposition councillors of the Kochi corporation on Wednesday alleged that the fund for the pre-monsoon cleaning activities was being squandered as a result. 'Removal of mud and waste from canals is progressing as part of the pre-monsoon activities. Though just a few days are left for the monsoon, the work is only partially complete. The corporation is supposed to pay Rs 2.86 crore to the Cochin Smart Mission Limited to carry out desilting activities. Yet, the authorities are unaware of the status of the work,' said Antony Kureethara, leader of the opposition in the corporation. M G Aristottil, UDF parliamentary party secretary, said the payment is made depending on the hours of work done. 'However, the removed mud and waste are being dumped at the side of the canals. The corporation should provide a vehicle to transport the mud and dump it scientifically,' he said.
