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Lifeline for Veli, Akkulam

S. Anil Radhakrishnan

Government sanctions de-silting, regeneration of lakes
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53-hectare water body covered by water hyacinth

Centre’s share of clean-up project lying unused
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After almost four years, the government has accorded sanction for the de-silting and rejuvenating of the water hyacinth-infested Akkulam and Veli lakes here.

The approval comes in the wake of the intervention of Chief Minster V.S. Achuthanandan following a report in The Hindu that the Rs.4.29 crore sanctioned by the Centre, for the project for the lakes’ regeneration, was lying unutilised.
Boating affected

The 53-hectare water body is covered by water hyacinth. Boating and cruise ride from Veli and Akkulam tourist villages, two prime domestic spots, are affected due to this.

The Chief Minister convened a meeting last month and issued directions to departments concerned to expedite the de-silting work.

Official sources said Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation and Travancore Cements, a public sector undertaking, had been entrusted with dredging. The work on protection of sidewalls has been handed over to the State-owned Kochi-based Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Limited.

The rejuvenation of the two lakes would be taken up as a special project under the supervision of a Project Management Committee. Official sources said the work will be closely monitored by a technical committee.

The scheme for the environmental regeneration of the two lakes was mooted by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests through the National River Conservation Directorate four years ago at an estimated cost of Rs. 24.56 crore. Of this, the Central government’s share was Rs.17.19 crore and the remaining was State’s.

The first instalment of the Central share was released in November 2005 to the State-owned Tourist Resorts (Kerala) Limited (TRKL) that was selected as the nodal agency to execute the project.

The TRKL authorities returned the Rs.4.29 crore to Theerapatham Urban Development Project of the Local Self Government Development Department in April 2006 citing lack of expertise and manpower to execute the project. The grant-in-aid returned by the TRKL has been with Theerapatham since April 2006. Theerapatham had since been merged with Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP).

Official sources said Rs. 10 crore from the 12th Finance Commission Award would be utilised in addition to the fund received from the Centre for the project. The Chief Engineer (Irrigation and Administration) had been asked to prepare a detail estimate before awarding the work to the PSUs.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/20/stories/2009092060490300.htm)

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Best Western India launches hotel brand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Best Western India on Friday launched its first international hotel brand in the capital, Best Western Classic Avenue.

While launching the Thiruvananthapuram property, Sudhir Sinha, president and chief operating officer of Best Western India said that the new 60-room property was part of their expansion plans to become the largest hotel chain in the country.

He said that it was a great opportunity for both the Best Western India Group and Classic Avenue to offer internationally acknowledged high quality of service and hospitality for which Best Western India was known all over.

Together, Best Western Classic Avenue will offer a complete new experience to its new and existing patrons, he said.

He said that international travellers could relate with the new hotel, as they have had the Best Western experience in other parts of the country.

It is the second hotel of the Group launched in the State.

The Best Western India Group has over 4,000 independently owned and operated member hotels in 80 countries. It has 11 properties in India.

Located on the Manjalikulam Road, the four-star hotel is equipped with international standard amenities to facilitate business travellers and other business activities.

The hotel has three on-site restaurants, premium bar, two conference halls, board room, gymnasium, roof-top swimming pool etc.

Managing director of Best Western Classic Avenue K.P.Sahadevan said that they were planning to add another 70 rooms to the hotel in three to four years.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Best+Western+India+launches+hotel+brand&artid=cjth5cU6eDc=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

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The Best Western Classic Avenue, Trivandrum

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Courtesy: 25Dude25

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The Location Map

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Render
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Source : Website

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Confident Althena update as on Sept 22, 2009

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Courtesy: website

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Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Beijing-based Zhongguancum Software Park Company (Zpark).

The MoU was signed by Mervin Alexander Stephen, CEO, Technopark, and Zhou Fang, director, Zpark, during a recent visit of a high-level IT delegation from Kerala to China.

Both the software parks would work towards enhancement of better understanding and long-term cooperation. Technopark would promote co-operation between IT companies located at Technopark and InfoPark, Kochi, with Beijing-based IT/ ITeS companies.

Source : Business Standard (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/technopark-signs-moubeijing/s-zpark/370913/)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA: The Kerala IT Department is looking at exploring opportunities to enhance Sino-Indian bilateral cooperation in the area of IT software and IT-enabled Services (ITeS).

A focused approach in a bid to realize its goals in China and bag a few deals of cooperation in China is being currently pursued by a delegation of IT department officials in China. The business mission to China coincides with the 2009 edition of the North East Asia Hi-tech Fair being held in Shenyang, capital city of Liaoning Province from 24-26 September, 2009.

The mission, a 7-member delegation led by Ajay Kumar, IT Secretary, will also visit Beijing, Dalian and Shenyang. The delegation has been formally invited by the Shenyang Municipal People's Government, said an IT department official.

As part of the mission, Mervin Alexander, CEO, Thiruvananthapuram Technopark, has signed a Cooperation MoU with the Zhou Fang, Director of the Zpark (Beijing Zhongguancun Software Park Company Ltd) in Beijing, the official added.

The agreement comes in the wake of plans of both the software parks to establish a friendly relationship for the enhancement of better understanding and long-term cooperation.

The official said that Technopark has decided to promote co-operation between Indian IT Software companies located at Technopark and the Kochi InfoPark and the Beijing-based IT software and ITeS companies in various areas.

The areas of cooperation will include BPOs for Japan, South Korea and Mainland China; Software export and outsourcing services (embedded software) for Japanese, South Korean, American and European Markets; Software outsourcing training, specially training for BPOs, animation outsourcing and other allied areas.

Source : CIOL (http://www.ciol.com/News/News-Reports/Kerala-looks-to-China-for-ties-in-IT-sector/22909125334/0/)

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said here on Wednesday that the Tourism and Industries Departments are planning to establish permanent trade centres across the State under the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) initiative.

Speaking after inaugurating a district-level registration of Grand Kerala Shopping Festival Season 3, Mr. Balakrishnan said that of the total Rs.20-crore outlay for the GKSF this year, the government is setting apart Rs.5 crore for the development of trade centres across the State.

“In Thiruvananthapuram we are planning to establish a permanent trade centre near the Kanakakunnu Palace premises. There are also plans to modernise old trade centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode in association with the respective city corporations under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM),” he said.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/24/stories/2009092458340300.htm)

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Spy school in Trivandrum

New Delhi, Sept 27 (PTI) The government is all set to establish four specialised institutes to train personnel of state police forces in intelligence gathering so that they can deal with emerging terror and naxal challenges.

According to the plan, the four institutes would be set up in Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Lucknow, and one in Northeastern region, which will help Special Branch personnel to sharpen their skills of collecting, analysing and disseminating intelligence inputs.

Each of these centres will impart training to policemen -- in the rank of Constable to Additional Superintendent of Police -- of neighbouring states, apart from its own.

"The institutes will impart training to policemen on how to mingle with common people, make friendship, develop confidence to share information and analysing and disseminating the same for real-time use," a Home Ministry official said.

Link (http://www.ptinews.com/news/302322_Govt-plans-to-set-up-four-spy-schools)

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Bakery Flyover will be opened for traffic by April 1st 2010 if the works progressing as per the schedule..:cheers:

Source : Manorama

[nik]

A smaller project....Happy Apartments, Balaramapuram, Trivandrum

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Hope this would be the start of another residential area in the making similar to Kowdiar/Kazhakkutam and would attract more groups with bigger projects towards the southern side of the city.

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http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2995/narco.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/narco.jpg/)


The State Government has decided to start a department for conducting Narco Test in TVPM Medical College.The doctors and other staffs will be provided by the Health Dept.As of now this facility is available only in Gujarat as the testing at Bangalore is stopped now.Most of the cases are required the Narco tests nowadays.This motivated to think of starting the facility in TVPM Medical College.

Source : Kerala Kaumudi

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Courtesy : 25Dude25

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Courtesy: Heera Group (http://www.heeragroup.com/)

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The project
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Courtesy: GRANDTECH Homes (http://www.grandtechhomes.com/)

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Getting Final touches :)

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Courtesy : OCEANUS GROUP (http://www.oceanus.co.in/)

[MINUS]

Parkfield to develop three properties in Trivandrum

Parkfield Gardem - Boutique hotel
Parkfield Residency - Business hotel
Parkfield Merchiston - Hill retreat

Source : Parkfield (http://parkfield.in/)

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American Singer and Lyricist Carrie Newcomer @ The Capital City

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Courtesy : 25Dude25

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Courtesy: Asset Homes (www.assethomes.in)

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) has obtained approval from the Union government to set up a Special Economic Zone in 10 hectares of land at the Film and Video Park at Kazhakuttam here.

Kinfra said that there was a proposal to set up an International Animation School in 1.82 hectares of land at this industrial park.

Courtesy : The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/30/stories/2009093053660400.htm)

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News Courtesy: Asianet

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After Film Festival @ Tagore Theatre from Sept 21-30, it is,

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Thiruvananthapuram: The first round of discussions for a Twin City tie-up between Thiruvananthapuram and the Spanish city of Barcelona were held here on Thursday. Representatives of the Barcelona City Council and the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation participated in the talks.

The discussions focussed on transport, medical research, water resource management, sports, IT, heritage conservation and urban planning.

A pressnote issued by the Corporation here said the two sides agreed to take the talks forward and identify the areas of cooperation.

Josep Roca, Director, International Relations, Barcelona City Council, and Gerardo Fueyo-Bros, councillor, Spanish Embassy in India, represented the Mediterranean city. Mayor C. Jayan Babu, Deputy Mayor V. Jayaprakash, standing committee chairmen, Corporation Secretary P.S. Mohammed Sageer, senior municipal officers, Knowledge Manager of the Corporation Kasthuri Rangan and officials from the office of the Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Mohammed Kutty and the Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor were present.

The Mayor outlined the development works and welfare schemes taken up by the City Corporation as well as the administrative mechanism.

Barcelona offer



Mr. Roca, on his part, explained the social security measures, town planning schemes and sports development activities implemented by the Barcelona city council and the administrative set-up.

He expressed willingness to share the experiences of the Spanish city in hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics.

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate the Laurie Baker Centre (LBC) for Habitat Studies here on Saturday.

The centre, being set up to perpetuate the memory and ideals of visionary architect Laurie Baker, will promote appropriate technology, especially in construction and public works, including development of building materials and technology relevant to green architecture.

It will have special programmes on urban and spatial planning, natural resource management, eco restoration, environmental engineering and management and alternative sources of energy. The LBC is being set up at ‘Navayatra,’ a 3.42-acre plot at Nooliyode, Vilappilsala, on the outskirts of the capital city with assistance from the State government. The Centre will be managed by a governing council chaired by Elizabeth Baker, Laurie Baker’s wife.

Source : The Hindu

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Help on wheels: ‘Sanjeevani,’ C-DAC’s mobile telemedicine unit, will cover the northern districts
Thiruvananthapuram: A mobile telemedicine unit, equipped with advanced medical diagnostic and treatment facilities, including a mini-surgical unit and satellite communication facility, will soon begin plying across five northern districts of the State to facilitate early detection and follow-up consultations of cancers.

‘Sanjeevani’ is the brainchild of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, and is a convergence of its own telemedicine, medical data management and communication software. It is expected to go on the road next week. The Rs.2-crore project has been fully funded by the Union Department of Information and Technology.

Using video conferencing and digital data transfer software inside the mobile unit, all clinical information of patients, including scan images, can be made available to doctors sitting at the Regional Cancer Centre here for their expert opinion.

The networking will be on the platform of ONCONET, the telemedicine network of the RCC, which was a project commissioned by the C-DAC itself in 2004. C-DAC has tied up with an NGO, Malabar Cancer Society at Kannur, for implementing the project. Initially, two medical camps will be held every week.

“As part of the National Cancer Control Programme, the Union Health Ministry had proposed that 100 mobile units with telemedicine links be deployed places where cancer care is inaccessible to people. Kerala will be the first in the country to implement the project,” says R. Ravindrakumar, Senior Director, C-DAC.

All diagnostic tests and blood analysis can be done inside the van itself and the data digitally transferred using C-DAC’s software (‘e-Dhanwantari’). An electronic medical record of every patient can be created with a unique patient Id and sent to the specialists at the RCC.

Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in the State, but one which can be easily detected in the early stages itself and fully cured. However, there is poor awareness among women about this and generally, women do not access gynaecological care till the problem becomes unbearable for them.

“After consultations with the RCC we decided to develop this unit specifically for cervical cancer care. If a patient is detected with primary stage cervical cancer, the medical team can remove the cancerous lesions within 15 minutes using the cryosurgery unit. Pap smear facility is also provided. Follow-up consultations can be planned and the patients will not have to go to the RCC,” says S. Sudhamony, Additional Director, Medical Informatics.

The mobile unit has back-up power generator, a powerful UPS system and a folding VSAT antenna on top.

Treatment will be free of cost for the poor while all tests and treatments will be offered at a subsidised rate to affordable categories.
Source : The Hindu

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Courtesy: Kerala Kaumudi

The Grammy award-winning singer and lyricist Carrie Newcomer gave a new feeling to the music lovers of Trivandrum at her performance at the Daniel Pearl Memorial Concert at Kanakakkunnu Palace.

"I am a writer and I don't have words to describe this city and it's people."

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Source (http://www.mb4wheels.com/story.php?cat=47&sub=378&id=58173)

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Come next ‘Chingam’ and farmers visiting the capital will have their own ‘bhavanam’ to stay in.

Using funds from the Agricultural Technological Management Agency of the Department of Agriculture a ‘Karshaka Bhavanam’ is taking shape inside the compound of the World Market at Anayara.

The construction of the Rs.2.74-crore building is being executed by COSTFORD (Centre of Science Technology For Rural Development), a press note issued here by the Farm Information Bureau said.

Work on the building began in August 2008.

The ‘bhavanam’ will have rooms for farmers to stay in, an agricultural museum, a training centre for farmers, a library and an information-cum-resource centre to clear farming-related doubts.
Source : The Hindu

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The Auction for the Fancy Number "KL-20 B 1" will be conducted at the RTO Office,Neyyattinkara.Already 6 persons booked for this number

Source : Kerala Kaumudi

[MINUS]

Thiruvananthapuram: The Valiyakulam pond at Chengal in the Neyyatinkara taluk is set to receive a new lease of life. Efforts to clean and restore the sprawling water body began on Saturday under the auspices of the taluk samithi of the Gandhi Mitra Mandalam.

Former Speaker V.M. Sudheeran inaugurated the 100-day campaign at a function held near the pond. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, he stressed the need to constitute vigilance committees to prevent pollution of rivers, canals and ponds.

Mr. Sudheeran said restoration and preservation of freshwater resources assumed great importance in the light of the acute water shortage in several parts of the world. He said many of the polluted water bodies in the State had turned into vector breeding grounds responsible for the outbreak of infectious diseases. He also reminded citizens of their responsibility to preserve water bodies and prevent their pollution.

Chairman of the Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi P. Gopinathan Nair presided over the function. Neyyatinkara Bishop Vincent Samuel, former MLA S.R. Thankaraj and general convenor of the restoration committee V.S. Harindranath also spoke. Thousands of volunteers participated in the first day’s campaign.

The Chengal pond restoration campaign involves de-silting and clearing of weeds and garbage.

The committee has drawn up plans to turn the pond into an aquatic sports centre and a possible venue for the 2011 National Games. It is also hoping to introduce water sports facilities to attract tourists.

The district panchayat and the Chengal grama panchayat are supporting the campaign.
Source : The Hindu

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Read more about the festival (http://www.kovalamlitfest.com/)

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Source :Kerala Kaumudi

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram city will soon get 18 more transformers, which will go a long way in solving the voltage crunch, KSEB officials said.

Peroorkada will get five more transformers, Karamana, Thiruvallom, Vellayambalam and Poojappura two each, Manacaud one and Vattiyoorkkavu four. They will be commissioned shortly, a KSEB executive engineer said. In the present round, the KSEB had planned 25 new transformers. The transformers being installed are mostly 100 KvA and 160 KvA.

``Along with improving voltage, we can also bring down distribution loss to a considerable extent,’’ the KSEB official said.

The only problem facing the power utility is the scarcity of land to erect the transformers. You need around half-a-cent of land for one transformer.

The new transformer installed at the West Nada of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple last month was the 1,151th in the capital. This transformer can cater to the rising power needs of the area for the next 25 years. The temple and the surroundings can be served from the three 110 KV sub-stations - Thirumala, Gas Insulated Sub-station (GIS) at Power House and Veli. With the completion of the second phase of the Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programmes (APDRP), all these areas will be connected by 11 KV underground (UG) cable.

This month, the number of transformers is expected to go up by another five. ``The total number of transformers installed this year is more than double that was put up the preceding years,’’ the official said. The Electrical Division Thiruvananthapuram has so far put up 24 transformers in this financial year itself.
Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Easing+voltage+woes&artid=hAK5mwalHkw=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

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Works has started for extend the JBIC aided Water Supply Project Project to Technopark.:cheers:This is being done by considering the future water demand for the Technopark.JBIC need to supply the water only upto the water tank in Technopark and the distribution will be directly done by Technopark.As of now the daily consumption in Technopark is 1000 Kilolitres.
Source : Kerala Kaumudi

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the mounting responsibilities of the Southern Air Command (SAC) can be compared to a cake, then this is the ample icing that tops it.

This November, ‘Sarang,’ the helicopter aerobatic display team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will come under the SAC. The team will be based at Sulur Air Station near Coimbatore, a senior SAC official said.

Consisting of four ‘Dhruv’ helicopters built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bangalore
, the ‘Sarang’ team is a big hit during IAF aeroshows where they thrill audiences, sometimes along with the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT). ‘Sarang’ - that’s Sanskrit for peacock - was formed in October, 2003, and has performed in aeroshows abroad.

‘Sarang’ will come under the SAC after November 1. Earlier the team was based at the Yelahanka Air Station which is under the IAF’s Training Command,’’ the official said.

‘Sarang’ comes at a ‘price’ of sorts. The Sulur Air Station will lose an Mi-8 helicopter unit to the Yelahanka Station as the Dhruvs fly in. The Dhruvs are not fitted with weapons, but they can be effectively used for surveillance, reconnaissance and other operations undertaken by the IAF.

Presence of strategic installations and proximity to the international shipping lanes have prompted the IAF to shift its gaze southwards. This has seen the SAC, the youngest Air Command headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, gaining importance.

In April this year, responsibility for IAF’s Maritime Air Operations (MAO) in the southern peninsula was transferred to the SAC. MAO was earlier based in Mumbai.
Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=%E2%80%98Sarang%E2%80%99+to+come+under+SAC&artid=zfiUsAk6gP8=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

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The next stage of concreting for the Flyover @Bakery Junction will start by 1st week of November.Out of the 5 spans from Panavila Junction to Bakery Junction; concreting is pending only for one span.This may be completed in 25 days according to the officials.After that;the concreting work will start from Bakery Junction to Panjapura Junction.During this period traffic along the stretch may required to diverted.
Source : Kerala Kaumudi

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Thiruvananthapuram in all probability will host the 45th annual convention of Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). Southern India Hotel & Restaurant Association (SIHRA), which is the host region for this year’s annual convention, is believed to have finalised the destination. The dates and venue of the convention will be announced soon.

Confirming Thiruvananthapuram as the host city for the convention, Sudheesh Kumar, President, Kerala Hotel & Restaurant Association (KHRA), informed that they were keen to organise the convention in the last week of November. He said that they have identified a few hotels in Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam for the same and the dates will be announced as per the availability of the hotels. Taj Residency, Thiruvananthapuram, Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram, and The Leela Kovalam are being considered by KHRA.
Source : Hospitality Biz India (http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=6369&sid=1)

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Being built at a cost of Rs. 120 crores

Six floors with an area of 15,010 sq.m

To be equipped with the most modern medical equipments

Housing six medical and surgical specialties, 253 beds, eight operation theatres, six intensive care units, a renal transplant unit and a haemodialysis unit.

Inauguration expected in January 2010 by the Hon. Prime Minister of India.

Courtesy : 25Dude25

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Courtesy: Kerala Kaumudi

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Courtesy : 25Dude25

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Courtesy : 25Dude25

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TRIVANDRUM (Commodity Online): A global environment conference on Climate Change on Risk, Challenges and Solutions to be held in Hotel Leela Kempenski from October 10th to 12th. Nick Herbet, MP and Shadow Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, House of Commons, United Kingdom will inaugurate the Conference on Saturday at 9am and also present the 10th Annual Greentech Environment Excellence Awards 2009.

Disclosing this in a press note, Kamleshwar Sharan, President of Greentech Foundaiton, a New Delhi based not for profit organisation said many expert Speakers from USA, Germany, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, China will speak on various issues of important topics and issues on Global Climate Change.

Kerala based Binani Zinc, Hindustan Life Care and Rajeev Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Project are likely to win awards Environmental Excellence. During the inauguration on Saturday some of the coampanies who have done excellence work across India will also be given Environmental Excellence Awards.

Source (http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Global-meet-on-Climate-Change-in-Trivandrum-21869-3-1.html)

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Technopark-based Toonz Animation India Pvt Ltd, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is organising a painting and cartoon competition for children in the age group of 7 to 15 years. Named ‘Hues and Lines’, the event will be held on October 11 at the Women’s College auditorium, Vazhuthacaud.

Kattoor Narayana Pillai, cartoonist Sukumar and Kanayi Kunhiraman will be in the judging panel. The event is being conducted in association with Radio Mirchi. For details and registrations, contact 9995835136.

Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Painting,+cartoon+contest&artid=9CvEmEWLPpM=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

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Courtesy: Toonz and Radio Mirchi, Trivandrum

[MINUS]

River sand crisis: move to de-silt small dams


Crisis due to cut in supply from Tamil Nadu
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Government struggling to deal with scarcity

Crisis severe in southern districts of the State
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State government is considering a proposal to de-silt small dams across the State to tide over the crisis caused by the soaring price and dwindling supply of river sand.

The Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) and Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) are already studying the feasibility of de-silting major reservoirs in the State.

“However, it will take a number of impact assessment studies before these proposals turn into projects. De-silting small dams may be a more viable proposition because it will not entail such a complex and protracted process,” said Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran. “We are also looking at the possibility of manual de-silting of reservoirs under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act as a short-term solution to the scarcity of river sand,” he said. The river sand crisis has had a serious impact on the construction sector in Kerala. The government is struggling to deal with the scarcity that was triggered by a sudden cut in supply from Tamil Nadu around two months ago.

The crisis is especially severe in the southern districts of the State, particularly Thiruvananthapuram, which depends almost entirely on the sand supplied from Tamil Nadu. While inflated prices are doing the rounds, a contractor from the district said the price of one load of river sand had gone up from around Rs.13,000 to Rs.35, 000 and more.

Collector Sanjay Kaul said efforts were on to combat the crisis in the district by other means like reviving the dysfunctional sand-mining ghats and strengthening local supply. “Many ‘kadavu’ committees in the district are not functioning, apparently because there is no sand-mining activity in their areas. We are verifying each and every ‘kadavu’ that has been notified in the district to assess their potential,” he said.

The Kalavara chain of fair price outlets established by the Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK), where economically backward consumers can get quality building materials at affordable prices, is also feeling the pressure of sand scarcity.

``Popularising M Sand produced from crushed rock can be a permanent solution to the river sand scarcity problem. It is much cheaper and quality-wise on par with river sand,” said Government Contractors’ Association State president Varghese Kannamppally

The scarcity of river sand is pushing up the price of M Sand also. The byproduct obtained from crushing rock into metal, which was earlier thrown away as waste material, now costs up to Rs.3,000 per unit (100 square feet). Mr. Kaul said he would convene a meeting of quarry owners next week to discuss the possibility of using M Sand as a substitute for river sand.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/10/stories/2009101062110300.htm)

[MINUS]

College of Nursing inaugurated @ NIMS, Trivandrum

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Source: Kerala Kaumudi

[MINUS]

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Courtesy : 25Dude25

[MINUS]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The dusty files on the shelves in the Secretariat will give way to digitised copies with the launch of Secretariat Records Digitisation (SRD).

The Kerala State IT Mission, in association with Keltron, is implementing the project, which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan on October 13.

The countless number of files and records that are now being kept at the records room are being scanned and digitised. About 90 percent of the files since 1980 and several files prior to that have already been scanned. Altogether, it comes to around 3.5 lakh files, said IT Mission sources.

The main objective of the project is to make old files available to Ministers and officials at a mouse click, said IT Mission assistant coordinator and project head Deepu K.

With the implementation of the project, the delay in getting old files for reference could be avoided considerably. In the present system, it would take at least three days for taking an old file. But in SRD, the old files could be accessed at a mouse click.

Another feature of the system is that a file could be accessed by more than one user at a time. In the present system, if a file is taken for reference by a department, another department could access it only after it is returned to the records room.

There will be search option in the new system so that an old file could be traced easily using a key word.

In the initial phase, Ministers, Secretaries and Additional Secretaries will only be able to access the files. It would be extended up to the level of section officers in the next phase. Each Minister and official will be give a password and they would be able to access files only of the department concerned. The Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary can access files of all departments.

The system is being developed using the achieving software of IBM
. It is being implemented under the Modernisation in Government Programme at a total cost of Rs 3.5 crore.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Old+files+just+a+mouse+click+away&artid=4RMBAd7jwL0=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

[MINUS]

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The Project
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Courtesy : 25Dude25

[MINUS]

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The Project
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Courtesy : 25Dude25

[MINUS]

G+8 floors,64 apartments,2 & 3 BHK
Location: Coming up next to Confident Althena
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Courtesy : 25Dude25

[MINUS]

Sun Axis, Vikas Bhavan, Trivandrum

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Source (http://www.sunprojectsindia.com/)

[MINUS]

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First batch of the Low Floor A/C Buses(Volvo) arrived in TVPM.:banana:
Source : Kerala Kaumudi

[MINUS]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After four years of complaints, here comes the final year of solace. The Town Planning Department of the City Corporation, steeped in the depths of corruption, will be given a helping-hand to recovery. The department will have a computerised permit approving system, as part of e-governance, which is expected to delete the menace of outside agents engaged in malicious deals with Town Planning officials, resulting in high-towering symbols of corruption.

The building permit approval software, Auto DCR, is on a trial run in the Corporation and will be operational in a few months’ time. This will enable the public to directly login to a website, fill the soft copy of the application form for the building permit, attach the design of the construction and mail it directly to the official concerned. No middlemen and no delay.

The working of the software was demonstrated at a news conference called by the Mayor to announce a slew of projects to celebrate the final year of the Council. The software has been developed by the Pune-based Softech Engineers.

“What was earlier done in 30 days can now be completed in a few days with the help of this software. With this, many problems faced by the public in getting building permits would be erased,’’ Mayor C. Jayan Babu said.

In a few years, the software would be so updated that the public will be able to track the position of their buildings under various zonal classifications and deal with all building-related queries from their homes.

This is also expected to reduce the problem of staff shortage in the Town Planning Department. According to the Mayor, one Assistant Engineer works in the City Corporation in place of nine in Kochi Corporation.

There are officers who find it hard to grasp the lessons in computer, but unlike a private firm, where incapacity is reason enough to fire them, Corporation is training them to get incorporated into new systems, which may take some time, Jayan Babu said.

However, taxes, including the building taxes, will not be raised this year, the Mayor said.

The Corporation will hold a file adalat in the first week of November and a file workshop in the last week of October to clear pending files.

Source: Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Reforming+Town+Planning+Dept&artid=7S0wId|P7Uk=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

[MINUS]

Corporation announces slew of development projects

Action plan to mark its year-long 70th anniversary celebrations

Thiruvananthapuram: The City Corporation is preparing to take up a decentralised system of solid waste management with public participation to tackle the mounting problem of garbage disposal. The civic body will soon launch a project to establish stand alone garbage treatment plants for apartment complexes in the city.

This is one of the major proposals among a slew of development and welfare projects to be implemented by the Corporation over the next year to mark its 70th anniversary celebrations and the fourth anniversary of the LDF- ruled Corporation Council due in 2010.

Priority to sanitation

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mayor C. Jayan Babu said sanitation would be given top priority in the year-long action plan. He said the Corporation would provide technical support for builders to establish garbage treatment plants in apartment complexes. “They will be given a choice of technology. The Corporation will amend its bylaws to make waste processing plants mandatory for all new apartment buildings with more than 40 dwelling units”.

Against litterbugs

The action plan unveiled by the Mayor proposes stringent action against litterbugs. Vehicles equipped with mobile cameras would be pressed into service to identify persons dumping garbage in public places and canals.

Garbage disposal

The garbage collection system, now active in 66 wards, would cover the entire city. There are proposals to streamline the functioning of the treatment plant at Vilappilsala and equip it with additional facilities for leachate treatment, manufacture of refuse derived fuel (RDF) and sanitary landfill. Efforts are on to cap the accumulated garbage at the site.

Mr. Babu said FACT had agreed to market the entire production of organic manure manufactured at the compost facility. “The Corporation has tied up with the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology (NIIST) for a Rs.50 lakh project to set up another treatment plant utilising new technology. Efforts are on to create a green belt around the site.”

The Mayor said the Corporation would spend Rs.50 lakh a year on insurance, health care facilities and other benefits for the 850 Kudumbasree workers involved in collecting garbage.

Comfort stations

The action plan also seeks to repair the 58 public comfort stations in the city, including those in slum colonies, and equip them with modern facilities. Toilets will be made mandatory for shopping complexes, fuel outlets and hotels with more than 20 seats.

Restaurants will be categorised on the basis of the quality of foodstuff.

Construction of classrooms and laboratories and supply of furniture and other equipment are the proposed activities in the education sector.

The Mayor said the beautification of the Puthariandam Maidan at East Fort was expected to be completed by March 2010. The South Palace at Sanghumkham and Singarathope Palace in the Kuriyathi ward were being renovated as heritage buildings.

The Corporation would join hands with residents associations and other organisations to plant avenue trees, under a project to enhance the city’s green cover.

No tax hike

The Mayor said there would be no upward revision of taxes. He, however, promised to step up efforts to improve tax collection.

Source : The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/09/stories/2009100961000300.htm)

[MINUS]

Unitech is going to launch their first residential project in Trivandrum

Source (http://www.unitechonline.in/microsite/pdfs/indipendent_brochure.pdf)

[MINUS]

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Pics Courtsey: Transsenger (Team-BHP)

[MINUS]

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The first phase of the project costing 450 Crores will be executed directly by VSIL.For this 120 Hectres of land will be acquired in 3 months.This has been decided by the director board meeting of VSIL chaired by the Chief Minister.The land acquisition will be done in Fasttrack and instructed the acquisition should not exceed 1st of January 2010.It has also decided to open a site office @Vizhinjam.The construction of the 2km road from the NH Bypass will be done by the NHAI and they agreed for this also.Also,for the railway line, the State Govt.will request to the Railway Minister next week.
Source : Kerala Kaumudi

[MINUS]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Panorama film festival, being jointly organised by the Kerala Information and Public Relations Department and the
Directorate of Film Festivals, would be held here from October 13 to 18.

As many as 12 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and English would be screened during the festival, an official release here said today.

Priyanandanan's 'Pulijanmam' (Birth of a Tiger) and M Mohanan's 'Katha Parayumbol' (When a story is being told) would be the Malayalam films to be screened at the festival, which chooses panorama entries from International Film Festivals of India (IFFI).
'Kalluri', the Tamil film directed by Balaji Shaktivel would be the inaugural film of the event.
Source : Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thirupuram/Indian-Panorama-film-festival-from-Oct-13-/articleshow/5112933.cms)

[MINUS]

Dr. M. Thangavelu: The development sculptor of Trivandrum Medical College

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Former Principal of Trivandrum Medical College
Former Regional Director, WHO (South Asia)

He passed away on October 9, 2009.

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Courtesy: Kerala Kaumudi

[MINUS]

തിരുവനന്തപുരം: കൊച്ചിക്ക് അനുവദിച്ച ലോ ഫേ്ളാര് ബസ്സുകള് തിരുവനന്തപുരത്ത് ഓടും. എറണാകുളം നിയമസഭാ മണ്ഡലത്തില് ഉപതിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചതിനാലാണിത്. ആദ്യഘട്ടത്തില് കൊണ്ടുവരുന്ന 15 എ.സി. ബസ്സുകളില് എട്ടെണ്ണം തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തേക്കും ഏഴെണ്ണം എറണാകുളത്തേക്കുമായിരുന്നു. ഉപതിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചതിനാല് എറണാകുളത്ത് ഈ ബസ്സുകള് നിരത്തിലിറക്കാനാവില്ല. തുടര്ന്നാണ് ഇവകൂടി തിരുവനന്തപുരത്ത് സര്*വീസ് നടത്താന് തീരുമാനിച്ചത്. അടുത്തഘട്ടത്തില് ഇറക്കുന്ന 15 എ.സി. ബസ്സുകള് എറണാകുളത്തിന് നല്കും.

ഗിയറില്ലാത്ത ഈ ബസ്സുകള് പരമാവധി ഓട്ടോമാറ്റിക് സംവിധാനത്തിലാണ് പ്രവര്ത്തിക്കുന്നത്. എ.സി. ലോഫേ്ളാര് വോള്വോ ബസ്സുകള്ക്ക് മിനിമം നിരക്ക് 10 രൂപയും നോണ് എ.സി. ബസ്സുകള്ക്ക് അഞ്ച് രൂപയുമാക്കണമെന്നാണ് കെ.എസ്.ആര്.ടി.സി. നിര്ദ്ദേശിച്ചിട്ടുള്ളത്
Source : Mathrubhumi (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/php/newFrm.php?news_id=12278986&n_type=RE&category_id=3&Farc=&previous=)

[MINUS]

De Options Boutique, Dewaswam Board Road, Nanthencode

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Kairali Towers, Near Asan Square.

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Credits : scorpiogenius

[MINUS]

The new parallel bridge under construction opposite KIMS as a part of the road widening project.

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Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences.

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Credits : scorpiogenius

[MINUS]

Mascot Hotel, PMG

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New Commercial Complex u/c on Vellayambalam-Thycaud raod, beside the Guest House.

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Daniel's Tower rising on Pattom-Kesavadasapuram Road

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Credits : scorpiogenius

[MINUS]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Giving a boost to the Technocity project, the State Government has finalised the rehabilitation package for acquiring land for the project coming up near Pallippuram in the district.

As many as 83 families would be displaced during the acquisition of land for the Technocity project. All the families would be given five cents of land each, in addition to the value of the house and property as evaluated by PWD and Revenue officials.

The Cabinet, on Wednesday, gave its nod to the rehabilitation package.

However, sources said that the rehabilitation package finalised by the Government might invoke protest from local people, especially those holding large areas of land.

Land measuring 457 acres at Pallippuram, Melethonackal, Veiloor and Andoorkonam has been identified for the first phase of the Technocity project, of which 186 acres has already been acquired.

IT Department sources said that the families that are being displaced would be given alternative land within the 457 acres.

A total investment of around Rs 1,500 crore is expected for the development of basic infrastructure.

The project would be developed on public-private participation and the tender process for providing the basic infrastructure has already begin. It is planned to bring in some notable development in 12 months, said sources.

The project is expected to generate more than one lakh employment opportunities in the IT and IT-Enabled Service sectors. The project also envisages development of residential areas, educational institutions, hospitals and commercial complexes, said sources.

Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Technocity+is+closer+to+reality&artid=Xbgug56NAww=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[MINUS]

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan launching the new logo for HBS, Technopark

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HAGES Business Solutions, Technopark
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News/picture courtesy: Malayala Manorama
Logo copyright: HBS (www.hbsind.com)

[MINUS]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The pride of owning an iPhone doesn’t seem to pull one back from sticking to the habit of playing snake and ladder. The latest hit in the ‘Apple store’ is the snake and ladder game developed by the Thiruvananthapuram-based software firm Travancore Analytics. There have been more than four lakh downloads of the game from the virtual App store since it was displayed there on September 29. “It is awesome. And more amazing is the fact that 70 percent of the downloads are from Canada, the US and the UK,’’ said P. Harikumar, CEO, Travancore Analytics. The firm has also developed a Japanese version of the snake and ladder game which will be available in the App store of iTunes soon.

“The Japanese version has been submitted to Apple for final approval. It is mandatory to get the Universal rating and being classified in the right section,’’ said Harikumar, who co-founded the company with a friend at Technopark two years ago. The firm expects that the Japanese version will multiply the number of downloads.

The game is the same one which we all know. There are snakes to gulp you down whenever you climb up a ladder. Casting dice is the most interesting part of the game. Taking advantage of the new generation sensors used in the iPhone, the techies at Travancore Analytics had evolved the game in such a way that the user has to shake his phone to get the feeling of casting the dice. A sound similar to the one created when you cast a real dice will also be created while you shake the phone. This free version of the game allows the user to be one of the players, while the iPhone itself takes the role of the second player. At present, this snake and ladder application occupies the No-1 position in 12 App Stores worldwide. It is easy to download and install the game in your iPhone or iPod.

“In fact, we were working on a pilot project that could help us to be a part of iTunes,’’ said Harikumar, who had earlier been giving thrust to the area of medical imaging.

Specialists Anwar Sadath and Rahul had wracked their brains hard to bring out a different version of the snake and ladder game (there is already one in the App Store which is a paid version). “When the end product came out, it was rich in graphics and audio,’’ said Harikumar.

Thrilled by the success of the i-version of snake and ladder, Travancore Analytics has begun work on its new project. The next surprise will be Ludo, another popular board game. “But, it will definitely be a paid version,’’ quipped Harikumar.

Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=T%E2%80%99Puram+firm+scores+a+big+hit&artid=LsoPn/9E/LQ=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

[MINUS]

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Courtesy : 25Dude25

[MINUS]

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Translation in short,

A batch of 27 students at the RAGAAT, Trivandrum is getting ready to cross the first hurdle on to becoming a Pilot. Of the total 40 hours flight time needed for the Pilot certificate, they have crossed 36 hours.

Course fee is Rs. 15 lakhs. This is in place where the other private aviation schools in India charge around Rs. 25 lakhs while schools in America and Australia charge around Rs. 35 lakhs.
Courtesy: Kerala Kaumudi and Aviation Kerala (www.aviationkerala.org)

[MINUS]

Heera Crescent, Nanthencode
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Cordial Estates,Law College Jn
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Credits : scorpiogenius

[MINUS]

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government has mooted UAE investment in the development of its prestigious international container transshipment terminal project at Vizhinjam, bogged down by procedural delays and litigation. Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan broached the idea with UAE ambassador Mohammed Sultan Abdulla Al Owais here today at a meeting attended by Emke group managing director M K Yusuf Ali, CM’s political secretary K N Balagopal and Secretary Sheela Thomas.

Achuthanandan also discussed with the ambassador the facilitation of precise information on Keralites languishing in UAE jails for want of proper papers.

According to the CM’s office, the ambassador remarked that several issues discussed at the meeting, including the Vizhinjam project, appeared to be pragmatic. Achuthanandan expressed the hope that better relations with the UAE would help prospects of Keralites in the emirates. Achuthanandan’s suggestion had come in the wake of the government decision to entrust a State-run company with the setting up of the Vizhinjam port infrastructure at an estimated Rs4.5bn.

The State-owned special purpose company, Vizhinjam International Seaport (VISL), would complete basic works like road and rail links at the project site, 20km south of the city. The company would identify a private partner for subsequent phases of development.

The basic infrastructure work like road and rail links to the project site was expected to take between 12 and 18 months and the Railways and National Highway Authority of India would be involved.

The dream project has been beset by problems including the Federal disapproval of a private developer owing to strategic reasons and litigation. The Chief Minister’s suggestion would now have to be vetted in the context of DP World, a UAE-based, company already developing the international container terminal at Vallarpadom in Kochi. The Vizhinjam container transshipment project is proposed on a build-operate-transfer basis, and the first phase of the project envisages an outlay of Rs24 bn. The potential of Vizhinjam as a major port was identified in the mid-20th century, considering its natural depth and strategic location on the international maritime route. the peninsula.

Source : The Peninsula (http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=India&month=October2009&file=World_News20091018232246.xml)

[MINUS]

Windsor Palace, Kowdiar-Ambalamukku Road
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Pattom Jn, looking North. Sunny Diamonds and Heera Twins seen here.
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Kesavadasapuram Jn
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Credits : scorpiogenius

[MINUS]

തിരുവനന്തപുരം: വിഴിഞ്ഞം തുറമുഖത്തിനായുള്ള റെയില്*പ്പാത നിര്*മ്മിച്ച്* നല്*കണമെന്ന സംസ്ഥാന സര്*ക്കാരിന്റെ ആവശ്യം റെയില്*വേ തത്ത്വത്തില്* അംഗീകരിച്ചു. പദ്ധതിപ്രദേശത്തേക്ക്* റോഡ്* നിര്*മ്മിക്കാന്* ദേശീയപാത അതോറിറ്റിയും സമ്മതം അറിയിച്ചു.

കഴിഞ്ഞദിവസം ചീഫ്*സെക്രട്ടറി നീലാ ഗംഗാധരന്* ഡല്*ഹിയില്* റെയില്*വേബോര്*ഡധികൃതരുമായി നടത്തിയ ചര്*ച്ചയിലാണ്* റെയില്*പ്പാത നിര്*മ്മാണ നിര്*ദ്ദേശം അംഗീകരിക്കപ്പെട്ടത്*. ബാലരാമപുരം റെയില്*വേ സ്റ്റേഷനില്*നിന്ന്* പദ്ധതിപ്രദേശത്തേക്ക്* എട്ടുകിലോമീറ്റര്* ദൂരത്തിലാണ്* റെയില്*പ്പാത നിര്*മ്മിക്കേണ്ടത്*. ഇതിന്* ഏകദേശം 180 കോടി രൂപ ചെലവുവരുമെന്നാണ്* പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നത്*.

കേന്ദ്രസര്*ക്കാരിന്റെ അടിസ്ഥാന സൗകര്യ വികസന ഏജന്*സിയായ 'റൈറ്റ്*സ്*' തയ്യാറാക്കിയ രൂപരേഖയുടെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിലായിരുന്നു ചര്*ച്ച. തുറമുഖ രൂപകല്*പനയില്* വൈദഗ്*ദ്ധ ്യമുള്ളവരുമായി വിഴിഞ്ഞം അന്താരാഷ്*ട്ര തുറമുഖ കമ്പനിയും ചര്*ച്ചകള്* നടത്തിവരുന്നു. ഇതിന്റെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തില്* മുന്നോട്ടുവെയ്*ക്കുന്ന നിര്*ദ്ദേശങ്ങളും ചേര്*ത്തായിരിക്കും 'റൈറ്റ്*സ്*' റെയില്*പ്പാതയുടെ അലൈന്*മെന്റ്* തയ്യാറാക്കുക.

ദേശീയപാത അതോറിറ്റി ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥര്* കഴിഞ്ഞദിവസം മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി വി.എസ്*.അച്യുതാനന്ദനുമായി ചര്*ച്ച നടത്തിയിരുന്നു. ഈ ചര്*ച്ചയിലാണ്* ദേശീയപാത ബൈപ്പാസില്*നിന്ന്* പദ്ധതി പ്രദേശത്തേക്കുള്ള രണ്ടു കിലോമീറ്റര്* റോഡ്* നിര്*മ്മിക്കാനുള്ള സന്നദ്ധത അവര്* അറിയിച്ചത്*. ദേശീയപാത അതോറിറ്റി ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടാലുടന്* റോഡിനുവേണ്ടിയുള്ള സ്ഥലമെടുപ്പ്* നടപടികള്* തുടങ്ങും.

Indian Railways and NHAI accepted the request from State Govt.to construct the new railway line and road respectively.The state chief secretary held discusssions with railway board and the CM held discussions with NHAI officials regarding this and they agreed to do so.Approx.Rs 180 crores will be required for the 8 km railway line from Balaramapuram railway station.The 2 km road will be from NH Bypass to the port area.The land acuisition for this will start once NHAI make the request.
:cheers:

Source : Mathrubhumi (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/php/newFrm.php?news_id=1258494&n_type=NE&category_id=3&Farc=)

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Bakery Jn flyover updates.
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Credits : scorpiogenius

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort aimed at fostering closer collaboration on academic and educational spheres, the Toonz Animation-backed Toonz Academy has entered into an agreement with Singapore-based ERC Institute.

According to Hari Iyer, Director, Toonz Group, "All our courses currently cater predominantly to animation mainly indented for the entertainment sector. Gaming is a fast emerging area that is forecasted to grow tenfold and reach a billion dollar industry by 2012. This is one reason for us to collaborate with ERC Institute to offer our students BSc program with specialization in Gaming sector."

The agreement would allow students at Toonz Academy to get full academic credit to enroll themselves for the University of Greenwich's Degree Program (BSc in Games and Entertainment Technologies). Students can complete their degree program within one and half years in Singapore, a Toonz Academy official added.

Speaking on the deal, Ken Kang of ERC Institute said the collaboration has potential to make best educational opportunities more readily available to students in India.

"From the experience of collaboration so far, ERC can identify many areas of benefits at all stages in this academic collaboration. We are happy to be associated with a prestigious institute run by a world famous animation studio," he said.

ERC Institute is also offering a unique Guaranteed Job Placement Scheme, attractive scholarships and Angel Funding up to S$100000 for their international students.
Source : CIOL (http://www.ciol.com/News/News-Reports/Toonz-Academy-signs-deal-with-Singapore-institute/161009126449/0/)

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The parent-teacher association of the Government Girls Higher Secondary School Cotton Hill is organising a meeting of former students and teachers at the school on October 25.

The meeting is being held as part of forming an association of former students and teachers ahead of the platinum jubilee of the institution in 2010.

To mark the occasion, the school PTA has started efforts to contact the former students and teachers of the school. Although more than one lakh students from different parts of the district have passed out of the school in the last 74 years, the school does not have an active alumni association so far, a statement said.

The history of the Cotton Hill school, known as the largest girls high school in Asia, dates back to 1859 when Maharaja Uttradam Tirunal established the Maharaja Free School for girls at Palayam.

The school was later divided into three by Diwan Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, who shifted the three schools to Paruthikunnu, Barton Hill and Manacaud. The school shifted to Paruthikunnu later came to be known as the Cotton Hill school.

Initially, the school had two divisions, lower primary and upper primary. In 1935, the upper primary division was upgraded to a high school for girls and the lower primary division was converted to a mixed school.

The school has won the Chakkir Ahamadkutty trophy for eight consecutive years for bagging the highest pass percentage in the SSLC examination and for preparing the maximum number of students for the examinations in a year. Around 1,000 students appear for the SSCL examination from the school every year. The school became a model government school when it bagged the honour of ‘school of excellence’ in 1997, the year when higher secondary courses were started at the school.

The school is known for its unique initiatives like house visits and supplementary classes for weak students. The institution also focusses on activities to develop the creative skills of students. Organisations like the NCC, Guides and the Red Cross are active at the school.

The school is steered by HSS Principal S. Mini, Principal Headmistress R. Prasannakumari, Additional Headmistress K. Krishnakumari and Deputy Headmistress M. Lolakumari.
Source : The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/23/stories/2009102358560300.htm)

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EOI FOR REVAMPING TECHNOPARK WEBSITE

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/3631/techwebsite.jpg

More Details (http://www.technopark.org/webeoi.pdf)

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The Cyber Palms neighbourhood. Cyber Gold rising up with Skyline Domain in the background
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Artech Lakeview near Akkulam.
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View from the Akkulam Bridge
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Credits : scorpiogenius

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This time, acquiring land for the multi-crore Vizhinjam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project, a tricky business at the best of times, could turn out to be a more democratic process, if a proposal tabled on Wednesday gets through.

According to the proposal, discussed at a meeting jointly convened by Ports Minister M. Vijayakumar and Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran, public participation is to be ensured in the land acquisition process this time. The proposal calls for detailed consultations with the coastal panchayats concerned and the public in general prior to the takeover, sources said.

The Cabinet had last week approved the acquisition of 120 hectares for setting up primary infrastructure for the prestigious, but ill-fated, project.

A special unit is to be formed for acquiring the 120 hectares on fast-track mode, it was decided on Wednesday. Since land acquisition is a sensitive issue, both proposals - for land acquisition and forming the special unit - are to be placed before the Cabinet for clearance. The Cabinet, it is expected, will discuss the matter next week.

A proper survey is to be conducted in the designated areas prior to the takeover, sources said. Last time, a feasibility study conducted by KITCO had turned out to be flawed, forcing the government to withdraw it and order an inquiry. After this, plans to acquire 1,088 hectares (2,400 acres) for the project and an SEZ had met large-scale public opposition.

This time, it is calculated that 40 hectares will be needed for rail and road connectivity going by the already approved alignments - 30 hectares for rail connectivity and ten hectares for the road.
Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Public+may+have+a+bigger+say&artid=8wYANQf7rfI=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

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Trinity Mall structure complete. View from MG Road, Overbridge.
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Paramount Junction, Ayurveda college, MG Road
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Credits : scorpiogenius

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Maurya Rajadhani, Statue Road
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Credits : scorpiogenius

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Asiatech IT Park, NH Bypass.
Status: Facading and internal works going on
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Kairali Towers close up, from the University road.
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Credits : scorpiogenius

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keeping its word on reducing the waste heaps at Vilappilsala treatment plant, the Corporation has decided to set up biogas plants in major markets in the city. The step is as part of the decentralisation of waste treatment, which is one of the main focus areas of the final-year programmes envisaged by the present Council.

Biogas plants will come up at the main markets, including Pettah, Palayam, Karamana and Peroorkada. Manacaud market does not rank among the list as the major portion of waste produced here are the withered leaves of plantain. The Corporation has already decided to bid these withered leaves as they are in demand among dairy farmers. The bidding is likely to be initiated shortly.

“The health committee took the decision on biogas plants as waste produced in markets forms 5 to 10 percent of the total waste taken to Vilappilsala. Presently, we are striving hard to reduce the waste transported to the Vilappilsala plant, so that the capping being done there meets its objective and no more garbage-hills are formed,’’ said G.R. Anil, Health Standing Committee Chairman.

In Karamana and Pettah markets, the accumulation of animal remains and flesh have been posing big job hazards to the Kudumbasree women and Corporation cleaning employees. Also inviting the wrath of the locals, especially the shopkeepers nearby, who fight the foul smell all day long.

Though the Corporation has had many plans to modernise its markets and had even set aside money in many of its budgets, markets have always remained neglected.

Meanwhile, the Corporation is expecting its air-tight vehicles to arrive any moment. Once these vehicles get to work, waste removal and transportation will not be a stinking affair. Ten such vehicles will be ready by next month, Anil said. He added that one of these vehicles would be specifically set aside to collect and transport waste from the markets. There would be special provision to segregate the plastic and transport the bio-degradable waste alone.

The Health Committee is also planning to set up a biogas plant at the Kunnukuzhy slaughter house where, again, waste disposal is a major issue. Though namesake modernisation has happened here, the slaughter house is yet to attain the standard status.

A waste disposal mechanism in markets has been a long-standing demand of councillors and locals. The Sreekariam panchayat had successfully installed a biogas plant a couple of years ago at the market there, which produces electricity from the gas to light the area.
Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Major+markets+to+get+biogas+plants&artid=Zl3YXazTH8g=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

[MINUS]

Pine County Luxury Apartments, Nalanchira
G+11 floors

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Location Map
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Source : Favourite Homes (www.favouritehomes.com)

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Approaching Nalumukku
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Pettah.
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Towards Pattoor
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Credits : scorpiogenius

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The Northward view of Bypass from Cyber Palms
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And the Other Way
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Credits : AKS Nair

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Muthoot Bluemount, MC Road, Paruthippara
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Credits : scorpiogenius

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GK Enclave, Pettah

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Courtesy : Website

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Credits : vinodtnt

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Credits : vinodtnt

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KOUTONS
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Credits : vinodtnt

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Police Information Centre Inaugurated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to update the public about various initiatives being taken by the police, a Police Information Centre has been opened at the Police Headquarters here. The new centre was inaugurated by Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Wednesday. It would provide a wide range of information regarding Kerala Police to the public and would also function as a control room in case of a disaster.

In the initial stage, the Centre would be accessible mainly to press persons and in the due course to the public also. Information pertaining to the details of a case or other matters of secret nature would be provided though the Centre.

In his inaugural address, the Home Minister stressed the need for strengthening the relation between the police and the media. He said that the media often gave wrong information by quoting fictitious sources. This might end with the setting up of the Centre.

He also said that the Press-Police Relations Committees would be strengthened in all districts.

India Reserve Battalion Commandant A K Venugopal has been appointed as the nodal officer of the Information Centre. The Information Centre would function from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DGP Jacob Punnoose, V Sivankutty MLA, Mayor C Jayan Babu, Kerala Press Academy Chairman S R Sakthidharan, Thiruvananthapuram Press Club President M M Subbair and Kerala Union of Working Journalists’ president K.C.Rajagopal were present on the occasion.

Source : Expressbuzz (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Police+Information++Centre+inaugurated&artid=ztk6bM2dp|I=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts&SEO=)

[nik]

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Courtesy: 25Dude25

[nik]

International Conference at Trivandrum


Changing Role of India in Global IT Business
10&11 December 2009: Hotel Leela Kempinski, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

The Summit:

Organized by the CII Kerala State Council, the India IT Summit would be an annual event where key influencers globally would be invited to deliberate and discuss issues pertaining to the IT industry. The 2009 edition of the event would consist of 3 plenary sessions spread over two days with a networking dinner after the first day.

Theme and Focus: “Changing Role of India in Global IT Business”

Rationale: The role of Information Technology in business is fast changing - from that of support to transformation. In fact, IT is set to become a game changer that will help India evolve from the status of ‘low cost’ to ‘innovation’. IT is indeed redefining the way people do business – and this change is only going to accelerate. As a result, the role of the Indian IT industry is set to evolve into a high value business facilitator.

Emerging India:

As India Inc stand on the threshold of this inflection point, there are certain issues to ponder – what does the changing role mean to the IT industry, is the industry prepared for the change, what will the global customers expect from the Indian IT industry. India IT summit 2009 will deliberate and discuss these issues, and many more.

Destination IT:

The event is scheduled in Kerala State, located in the southern part of India, known globally as God’s Own Country underscoring its strength not only as a world-class tourist destination, but also as a fast emerging investment destination for corporates due to its highly literate population and enhanced quality of life. Kerala is also labelled as India's most promising yet under utilized IT destination. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure, qualified, technologically innovative and dedicated manpower.

Speaker Profile: There would be over 20 speakers of national and international eminence from the Indian IT industry and the Global user industry.

Delegate Profile: The expected number of delegates would be around 500. Invitations would be issued to select thought leaders, politicians, Government officials, CEO’s, CIO’s, CXO’s, COO’s of IT and user industry, media and other stake holders.

Venue: Leela Kempinski, Kovalam, a short 16 kms from the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Perched on a rock, offering a picture post card view of the Arabian sea shoreline, the resort is one of the most sought after 5 star properties in India.

[nik]

Volkswagen Trivandrum Showroom taking its shape in the NH Bye Pass

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Courtesy: nishutvm

[nik]

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SKYLINE BUILDERS' FIRST PROJECT IN TRIVANDRUM - Skyline Domain - Latest Picture

Courtesy: sanoj

[nik]

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9408/dsc03615r.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/i/dsc03615r.jpg/)

A DISTANT VIEW - SKYLINE BUILDERS' DOMAIN...

Courtesy: sanoj

[nik]

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8076/dsc03619m.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/dsc03619m.jpg/)


Another Distant View of the SKYLINE BEAUTY...Not a Simply Fluky Structure......

Courtesy: sanoj

[nik]

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7093/dsc03623x.jpg (http://img408.imageshack.us/i/dsc03623x.jpg/)


ARTECH Lake View...A view off the lake.....30.10.09

Courtesy: sanoj

[nik]

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3508/dsc03626s.jpg (http://img256.imageshack.us/i/dsc03626s.jpg/)


THE WORKS OF BAKERY FLYOVER (IN FRONT OF RBI) HAS STARTED...LATEST PICTURE - 30.10.09

Courtesy: sanoj