THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: City corporation is set to commence construction of a residential complex at Priyadarshini Nagar to accommodate the families of Vikalanga Colony at Muttathara as part of the Thanal housing project.
This project marks a significant step toward improving housing for disabled community members who have been residing in the Vikalanga Colony for nearly five decades.
The original plan proposed a three-storey complex, but due to objections from nearby residents in Bangladesh Colony and the requirement for clearance from the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the corporation modified the design to a two-storey building.
This adjustment expedited project approvals, and with the AAI’s no-objection certificate secured, construction work is set to begin in Jan.
Uralungal Labour Construction Co-operative Society (ULCCS) was awarded the Rs 20 crore contract for this housing initiative, and initial ground-clearing efforts are already underway.
According to Shajida Nassar, development standing committee chairperson and Vallakadavu ward councillor, the project will provide housing for 136 families, with each apartment offering 550 sq ft of living space. “All the hurdles are over, and we are proceeding with a two-floor structure. Soil tests were completed, and we are now ready to begin construction,” Nassar said.
The Thanal project spans two acres initially set aside for rehabilitating fishermen affected by sea erosion. These fishermen families will now receive housing under the ‘Punargeham’ project on newly allocated land in Muttathara.
In parallel, a separate apartment complex will be constructed at Muttathara to house 102 fishermen families who are currently living in temporary shelters in a Valiyathura godown. This new complex, consisting of 400 flats with two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen, is designed to offer the fishermen a stable, dignified living environment.
The apartment complex aims not only to provide shelter but also to improve the overall quality of life for the families it will house. With an estimated completion time of 18 months, the Thanal project signifies state govt’s commitment to addressing housing needs among vulnerable communities.
By offering secure housing and enhanced living conditions, the initiative aims to uplift the disabled residents of Vikalanga Colony and provide a fresh start for fishermen families facing displacement.
