Vyttila-Edappally stretch of NH bypass to get a facelift.

The 7.5-kilometre stretch of the National Highway between Vyttila and Edappally would get a facelift in another three to six months if Kochi Corporation's ambitious three-phase city beautification plan translates into reality.

The National Highways Authority of India had already given the civic body in-principle approval for going ahead with the project, Mayor Tony Chammany told reporters at a press conference recently.

The idea is to beautify the central median and its sides with flowering plants. It will be done in compliance with the NHAI specifications and policies. The maintenance of the beautified stretch will be the responsibility of the corporation and it would be out of bounds for hoardings and advertisements.

In the first phase, the entire stretch will be cleared using sophisticated equipment without affecting underground cables to make available three-metre width on the median. This will be followed by soil conditioning, planting of herbs and shrubs of uniform level and growth.

Ornamental plants to be used for beautification will be identified in the second phase. The choices will be made from among various varieties such as Nerium, miniature Allamanda, Pink Ixora, and Heliconia. Once this is done, pits will be prepared with a mix of soil and manure. Thereafter, the chosen varieties will be planted as per a pre-approved sketch.

They will be planted in such a way to give the impression of a flower bed. At ‘U’ turns, the plants growing at low level would be preferred to prevent them from obstructing the view of motorists.

Maintenance of these plants will make up the third phase. Plants will be watered at least on alternate days during summer for which a source of water will be identified. Ornamental trees will be pruned to preserve their visual beauty and more importantly to maintain their height at a fixed level. Organic manure will be applied on plants once in 20 days to ensure that they flourish.

THE HINDU