Assembly panel not satisfied with shopping complex work

Madurai: The Assembly Pledge Committee, which is evaluating the progress of government-promised development projects, has expressed dissatisfaction with the work on the shopping complex near Periyar Bus Terminal, overseen by the city corporation, and has recommended necessary corrections. Led by Panruti MLA T Velmurugan, the committee conducted inspections of various locations and projects on Tuesday, starting from the Meenakshi temple to Aavin's ice cream factory.Following a review meeting held at the collector’s office in the evening, Velmurugan addressed the reporters and highlighted the committee’s role in assessing the fulfillment of pledges made to the public. Out of the 420 pledges made to the district, the committee found that 167 have been completed, 54 are documented, and 199 pledges have achieved progress ranging from 50% to 60%. Velmurugan noted substantial advancements in pledge fulfillment since the DMK assumed power.Regarding the shopping complex construction under the Smart City Project, the committee expressed dissatisfaction. The complex, comprising 224 shops, has a budget of Rs 174 crore, but the quality of finishing work is unsatisfactory. Committee chairman Duraimurugan had previously raised this concern, and the corporation commissioner has agreed to rectify the flaws and provide photographic evidence to the pledge committee. Additionally, the committee raised concerns about the long-delayed Palanganatham-TVS Nager Rail Over Bridge, where the project cost escalated from Rs 33 crore to Rs 65 crore due to land acquisition delays.The pledge committee also examined the Mullaperiyar Drinking Water Project and noted the inconvenience caused to road users due to construction material being dumped along the roadside. The committee urged the corporation to address this issue. Velmurugan expressed contentment with the work carried out at the Meenakshi temple and the provision of annadanam (free food) to the public.The committee was accompanied by Madurai collector M S Sangeetha, mayor Indirani Ponvasanth, commissioner Simranjeet Singh and others.
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