Latest news with #CoimbatoreCityMunicipalCorporation
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Abandoned flower market in Coimbatore becomes civic headache for traders, commuters
COIMBATORE: A multi-crore flower market complex on the eastern side of Mettupalayam Road (towards RG Street) in the Poo Market area of Coimbatore has become a significant point of contention for local traders and commuters alike. Built in 2020-21 at a cost of Rs 70 lakh, the facility, comprising 95 shops each measuring 6x8 feet, remains abandoned for over a year, with the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) yet to decide on its future. The complex was initially constructed to alleviate congestion at the older 'Panneerselvam Poo Market' on the western side of Mettupalayam Road (towards Vadakovai). During the COVID-19 pandemic, a section of traders briefly occupied the new building. However, following the renovation of the original market at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore under the Namakku Naame scheme (with Rs 40 lakh contributed by the Coimbatore District Flower Market Traders Welfare Association), traders returned to their traditional spot over a year ago, leaving the new facility dormant. The prolonged disuse of the eastern complex has exacerbated traffic woes on the already busy Mettupalayam Road. With many traders unable to secure spaces in either market, they have resorted to setting up roadside stalls near the abandoned facility, contributing to daily traffic snarls.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CM Stalin reviews Ungaludan Stalin scheme from hospital; directs swift action on public petitions
CHENNAI/COIMBATORE: Chief Minister MK Stalin, who has been undergoing medical tests at Apollo Hospital since July 21, continued reviewing the progress made in the Ungaludan Stalin Scheme through video conference and signed important government files. Chief Secretary N Muruganandam and senior officials were present at the hospital on Wednesday. Stalin, in his post on X handle, said he had a discussion with the district collectors and the public about the scheme. After taking rest as per the advice of the doctors, I would be visiting the districts to meet the people, he said. An official release said the chief minister reviewed the progress of the scheme with the collectors of Kanniyakumari, Kancheepuram and Coimbatore. During his interaction, Stalin advised the collectors to take appropriate steps to resolve the petitions immediately and that the people approaching the camps should be provided with necessary facilities. He also enquired about the number of petitions and the number of camps conducted so far. The CM also interacted with the people who visited the camps and directed immediate action on them. Meanwhile, Kanniyakumari Collector Alagumeena said the camp is scheduled to be conducted at 341 places in the district. 'So far, from July 15 to July 23, 36 camps have been conducted, and 12,000 applications received,' she added. Kovai woman gets issue resolved in an hour Bhagyalakshmi, a resident of ward 7 in the East Zone of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC), received a new water connection and a revised property tax document within an hour after submitting a petition at the Ungaludan Stalin camp, presided over by Collector Pavankumar G Giryappanavar at Ramalakshmi Marriage Hall on Avinashi Road on Tuesday.
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Finally, CCMC begins repaving of MGR market roads
COIMBATORE: Bringing much-needed relief to traders and transporters, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has finally begun laying fresh asphalt roads inside the MGR Wholesale Vegetable Market. The civic body took up the work after years of persistent complaints and prolonged delays. For decades, traders operating from the market had been demanding basic road infrastructure, as the area turned into a virtual swamp even after a short spell of rain. The situation was particularly dire during the recent monsoon spell, when stagnant water and thick slush made the market premises inaccessible for both vendors and customers. Several vegetable-laden trucks even got stuck in the sludge, further affecting business. The ongoing renovation of the MGR Market was initiated over two years ago under the Capital Grants Scheme with Rs 3.15 crore allocated in the 2023-24 budget for its overhaul. It was part of a broader city initiative to modernise three major markets including the MGR Wholesale Vegetable Market, the Anna daily market, and the Tomato market in Sundarapuram. However, progress on the MGR Market project remained painfully slow until now, much to the frustration of the traders. Vegetables are brought to the MGR Market daily from across Tamil Nadu and other states like Karnataka, and in turn, distributed to various parts of Coimbatore and even neighbouring Kerala. Over 112 licensed shopkeepers operate from the market, along with hundreds of loadmen and vendors who depend on it for their livelihood. "The poor roads were affecting not just our business but also the safety of everyone here," said D Muthu, a long-time trader. "We are finally seeing some action after years of waiting." With the fresh blacktopping work now underway, there is a renewed sense of optimism among the market community that further improvements might soon follow.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Free PSC coaching programme launched in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: A free coaching programme for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission examinations commenced at the community hall at Ukkadam Periyakulam on Wednesday. It was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar in the presence of Coimbatore MP Dr Ganapathi P Rajkumar, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran and CCMC Mayor Ranganayaki. The CCMC launched the programme in collaboration with the district administration. Speaking at the event, the district collector highlighted the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in promoting youth development through schemes such as Puthumai Penn, Thamizh Pudhalvan, and Naan Mudhalvan. He said the newly launched free coaching programme reflects the same commitment to empowering youth and job aspirants. The programme will provide structured coaching for TNPSC Group 2 and Group 4 exams, guided by expert faculty. It will include access to updated study materials, well-designed classes, and mentorship sessions. Classes will be held full day at the community hall. The collector urged aspirants to make the most of this opportunity and wished them success in their pursuit of public service. For further details, candidates may contact 63858 37858. Deputy Mayor Vetriselvan, zonal chairpersons Lakshmi Ilanchelvi Karthik (East zone) and Meenalogu (Central zone), Public Health Committee Chairperson Assistant Engineer Saravanakumar, Health Inspector Dhanapal, and representatives from the training firm Socio Potents, Raghavi and Sathyaprasad, were also present.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
VOC Zoo in Coimbatore: A fading memory
COIMBATORE: Once a cherished weekend retreat for generations of Coimbatoreans, the VOC Zoo now lies forgotten and rusting, a shadow of its former self. The zoo, located inside VOC Park near Gandhipuram, has its gates closed and cages empty due to the apathy of the civic body. Years of poor maintenance, lack of upgrades, and non-compliance with zoo standards by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) led to the facility's downfall. Eventually, the Zoo Authority of India suspended its license, forcing the zoo to shut down completely. While CCMC had announced plans to convert the site into an aviary several years ago, no substantial progress has been made since. "We have prepared a proposal for turning the zoo into an aviary at an estimated cost of `9.89 crore under PPP mode. The proposal has been sent to the Tamil Nadu government for approval. Once we get the nod, the work will begin," said CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran. However, sources within the corporation revealed that the proposal was made without consulting wildlife experts, nature enthusiasts, or even officials from the Tamil Nadu forest department. Activists fear this could result in the same issues that plagued the zoo in the past, including poor design, lack of maintenance, mismanagement, and eventual closure. The VOC Zoo, named after freedom fighter VO Chidambaram, with its collection of animals and serene environment in the heart of the city, was an affordable and accessible escape into nature from childhood for many. Disheartened by the civic body's continued negligence, residents and activists have called upon the state government to intervene. "This place holds memories for all of us. It is painful to see it crumble like this. It deserves a second life," said S Manimegalai, a retired school teacher who frequented the zoo with her grandchildren.
