Even as the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s draft master plan 2040 has drawn some amount of criticism, the amendments to the Kovalam – Vizhinjam Area Development Scheme with further rule relaxations in developmental and construction work in the coastal regions have been received positively. The scheme, which was approved a few months back, will be in force only in the interim period until the draft master plan is finalised.
According to Corporation officials, the draft master plan will also effectively retain all the relaxations in the amendment as no new restrictions are specified for coastal areas in the draft plan. The complaints and suggestions regarding the draft master plan can be registered until July 31, after which it will be sent to the State government for final approval.
The Kovalam – Vizhinjam Area Development Scheme first came into force in July 1978 for the planned development of the coastal zone stretching from Thiruvallam to Pulinkudi. Following demands from various quarters, a few amendments were brought to the zonal regulations of this scheme in 2010. However, demands continued for removal of some of the restrictions which had prevented construction of smaller houses and commercial establishments in some areas.
