Minister inspects work on Ooty municipal market

UDHAGAMANDALAM: State information and publicity minister M P Saminathan on Wednesday inspected construction work on the Ooty municipal market. He also inspected desilting of the Ooty lake.

The first phase of the Ooty market is being constructed at a cost of Rs 17.33 crore while the second phase is estimated to cost Rs 39.78 crore. Speaking to reporters, Saminathan said, "The officials concerned have been instructed to complete the first phase within six months and make it available for public use. The 239 shops in the first phase will be allocated on a priority basis to merchants who had previously rented these shops."

There would be at least 459 shops in the second phase. “Officials have been instructed to maintain high quality throughout the project,” he said.

In view of the current monsoon season, 42 teams have been formed in the to monitor 283 vulnerable locations around the clock, he added.

Collector visits affected areas

District collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru visited Kunjapanai, Konavakorai, Denadu and Kotagiri which were affected by heavy rain. Kotagiri and Coonoor taluks experienced heavy rain in the last few days. Several houses in tribal areas have reportedly sustained partial damage.

During her inspection of the Ariyur tribal hamlet, Lakshmi instructed officials to repair a damaged road between Ariyur Mattam and Ariyur. She directed revenue and disaster management officials to prepare a proposal for constructing a road from Kakkagunda to Ariyur.