Congress MLAs oppose KMRL's plan to lay tiles on Kochi Metro medians

Kochi: Congress MLAs TJ Vinod and Uma Thomas on Saturday have strongly opposed KMRL's alleged move to carry out modification works on road medians along Metro line from Edappally to Petta by paving tiles.

While Vinod approached KMRL MD Loknath Behera urging the withdrawal of the plan, Thomas approached chief minister with a complaint against the move. Vinod said the move to lay tiles on the 27-km Metro median is highly objectionable. "Currently, many Metro medians are occupied by beggars and nomads. Laying tiles on medians will only encourage such encroachments," he said.

"Abandonment of the garden project, as mentioned in agreements with central and state govts and French Development Agency, as well as in the environmental impact report, is unjustifiable," said Vinod.

There are many plants in our region that do not require much height, water or sunlight and can grow in the shade. District agri-horticulture society, chaired by district collector, is ready to provide the necessary oversight and advice, as informed by society officials. In his letter to Behera, Vinod requested setting up gardens in medians with the help of the society if necessary.

In her complaint to chief minister, Thomas pointed out that KMRL's plan breached its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable growth. "By removing existing plants in the median, KMRL is planning to prepare a concrete median for placing advertisements," she alleged.

KMRL announced that it will set up vertical gardens on Metro pillars. But, instead, LED advertisement boards have been installed. Beauty and green heritage of the city must be preserved. KMRL should immediately withdraw from the move, the MLA said in her complaint.