Stadium, ring road, and hospital upgrade among priorities, says Koothattukulam municipal chief

Regi John Plathottathil has outlined a five-point development agenda, which will serve as the focal point during his initial days as chairperson of Koothattukulam municipality, located on the eastern outskirts of Ernakulam district.

Among his top priorities is the establishment of a municipal stadium to meet the sporting needs of the youth and to nurture hidden talent. The lack of proper sporting infrastructure has long been a demand of the people in the municipality.

The construction of a ring road is another priority identified by Mr. Plathottathil. Although a small allocation was made for the project a decade ago, little progress has been achieved since then. “The proposed ring road will ease traffic congestion in Koothattukulam town and benefit commuters passing through,” he said.

Upgrading the infrastructure at the government taluk hospital has also been given prominence. “It remains a taluk hospital only in name. The goal is to ensure round-the-clock service with improved facilities and additional doctors,” Mr. Plathottathil stated. He is equally confident about setting up a modern municipal office along with a shopping complex, which would generate revenue for the municipality.

Mr. Plathottathil, a first-time councillor chosen for the chairperson’s post by the Congress parliamentary party, is determined to break the dubious trend in which no chairperson has ever completed a full term. Although the United Democratic Front holds a comfortable majority in the 26-member council, his selection-aligned with the K.C. Venugopal faction of the Congress ‘I’ group, was far from smooth. He prevailed over seasoned councillor and former chairperson Prince Paul John of the ‘A’ faction in the parliamentary party meeting.

Reportedly, the Ernakulam District Congress Committee suggested a split term of two-and-a-half years each for Mr. Plathottathil and Mr. John. However, the faction supporting Mr. Plathottathil was unwilling to grant Mr. John more than a year, citing its majority in the parliamentary party. Mr. John considered this an affront to his stature and rejected the offer. Further drama surrounding the post cannot be ruled out.