Heli Tourism Kicks off in Ranni - Perunadu

The Heli Tourism Service in Ranni - Perunadu, which is aimed at viewing and enjoying the aerial beauty of the forest in this region has been inaugurated. Delhi based Chipsan Aviation has started the heli tourism services in Perunadu Mambara Kuttikkad. The inauguration of the heli tourism service was done by Minister Shibu Baby John by taking the first trip in the helicopter.

The heli tourism in Ranni also focusses on preserving the forest and at the same time encouraging tourism at this area. An 8 minute helicopter ride was offered to the people as an introductory offer and a good number of people made use of this offer.  Chipsan Aviation along with Biju Kuttikayam has started the heli tourism service in Ranni and this is mainly aimed at the Sabarimla pilgrims and tourists. The heli tourism service is the first of its kind in Kerala and hence the service will receive a lot of interested people.

The charge for taking a ride from Kochi to Sabarimala on helicopter is RS 30,000 per head and five people at a time can take the ride. If anyone needs to fly alone, then he can pay 1.5 lakhs and take the trip from Kochi to Sabarimala in the helicopter. All the major districts in Kerala will soon be included in the heli tourism service and the process has started for the same.

The heli tourism service in Ranni Perunadu will surely improve the image of this place in the tourism map, and it is for sure that a lot of people will be utilizing this unique tourism facility to enjoy the serene beauty of the forests in Ranni area. This will truly be an amazing and memorable experience from a traveler’s point of view.

Vital Deal Document Missing From Ranni Panchayat Office

A vital document containing a deal between water authority and the Panchayat has gone missing from Ranni Panchayat office. A commission has been appointed for further investigation regarding the missing document. Initially the investigation was done by the Panchayat staff and late they gave up. Even the newly appointed commission is finding it really hard to get the whereabouts of the missing documents.

The documents contained vital deal which includes the tarring of the road leading from Thottamon temple to Chantha Kadavu which is really in a bad state. The deal was made by the water authority Adoor Division and the Ranni Panchayat and the missing of this file has dragged too much controversy. The road leading from Thottamon Temple to Chanthakadavu was dugged to install pipelines for one of the major water distribution projects which lead to this bad state of the road.

The file containing the reconstruction of this road was submitted to the Panchayat committee by the secretary on 2011 and since May 2012 the file has gone missing. Since then two employees were given the charge to enquire about the missing file but when they failed to find the file, the ex-panchayat secretary was called upon. Still they were not able to derive any clue about the missing file. One of the panchayat members has pleaded for a Vigilance enquiry regarding the same and find the whereabouts of the missing file.

New Motors to Arrive Late at Various Pump Houses in Ranni

The water distribution projects at Ranni taluk has taken a back seat as the new motors for the various pump houses in Ranni is to arrive late as per various sources. As the next Sabarimala pilgrimage season is around the corner, there will be  a real mess if the water authority fails to install new motors in the pump houses on way to Sabarimala.

With the financial aid from NABARD, 16 pump houses in the Taluk were to get new motors and around 1.30 Crore Rupees were granted for the same. But the delays in getting the motors are really making matters worse. The Electricity and production crisis that is being experienced throughout the country is playing a major factor in delaying the arrival of new motors. Another major issue behind the delay is that motors of different capacities has to be manufactured which is really something difficult.

It has been more than an year since the deal was made for the new motors and since then even a single pump house has not got the new motors installed which is a real shame.  A 15 HP motor will be reaching for the Ranni - Angadi project withing 2 weeks and this is purchased with the help of a Sabarimala fund proposed by the Government of Kerala. Vechoochira, Perunad, Madathumpadi, Karikulam, Poozhikkunnu, Cherukol, Naranganam, Angadi, Chittar, Vadasserikkara etc are the places which are yet to get the new motors in the pumb houses.

Of the above mentioned places Madathumpadi, Perunadu, Angadi and Vadaserikkara have pumps which are on the Sabarimala route and due to non functioning of the existing motors, these pumps often becomes out of order. If this situation continues during the Sabarimala season, the Ayyappa devotees will have to face a tough time.

Century Old Government Ayurveda Dispensary in Ranni Being Ignored

The Government Ayurveda Dispensary in Ranni which is over 100 years old is being heavily ignored by the Government as far as development of the dispensary is considered. There had been voices raised to elevate the dispensary into a Taluk Ayurveda Hospital in Ranni, but the Government has not done anything so far to built new buildings or either to elevate it to a Taluk Ayurveda hospital.  The Government Ayurveda Dispensary in Ranni is situated in Angadi Chettimukku area and is one of the major and oldest Ayurveda hospitals in Pathanamthitta.

The Government Ayurveda Dispensary in Ranni was functioning in a rented house till 10 years ago and as a result of the hard work of the people in Ranni, they were able to buy 50 cents of land in Ranni and since then the Government Ayurveda Dispensary in Ranni is functioning in their own building. Even after purchasing the 50 cents of land in Ranni, it took several years for the building to be constructed. Former MP A C Jose allotted fund for constructing the ayurveda hospital building and Ayruvedic hospitals with all the basic facilities and amenities was constructed.

There were separate rooms for doctors, pharmacists and store as well as a resting room for patients. Water, ligth and telephone facilities were also arranged in the ayurvedic hospital. But such things were not enough for the smooth functioning of the Ayurvedic hospital in Ranni. To treat the patients in full fledged ways, the hospitals required separate rooms and buildings which were not at all available at the hospital. There had been many requests which were send to the authorities to allocate funds to renovate the Ayurveda hospital in Ranni, but till now nothing has been allocated and this prestigious Ayruvedic hospital in Ranni is in deep trouble as it need a good amount of money for facelift and being elevated into Taluk Ayurveda Hospital in Ranni.

Puthusserimala Government UPS Set to Become a Role Model

Puthusserimala Government UPS, which is a major source that offers the divine light of education to thousands of students is all set to become a role model for all and the society. The Puthusserimala Government UPS staff, their family, PTA members and even people staying near this school has decided to donate their eyes and they have signed the agreement regarding the same. They have agreed to provide their eyes after their death to those who are in need.

The deal was done with the help of "Kazcha" which is a major organization that deals with activities such as helping people to donate their eyes once they leave this world. The agreement was done on 24th August 2012 in the school compound and the General Secretary of "Kazcha" and the Panchayat President was present at the event. The school has proved yet again to be a role model for other schools and this activity will prompt other schools to take this step.

Puthusserimala Government UPS is one of the major source of education in Ranni and people from Ranni, Puthusserimala and Vadaserikkara once used this school as a major source of gaining knowledge and formal education.

Improper Drainage Systems a Threat for Shops in Ittiyappara

The improper and badly maintained drainage systems in Ittiyappara are becoming a major threat for shop owners. Ittiyappara is the major commercial hub of Ranni and have a good number of shops which caters to the needs of the people in and around Ranni. The natural drainage systems in Ittyappara are badly maintained and are often blocked due to the immense deposit of plastic and other waste materials. This in turn leads to the overflow of these natural drainage systems and the water eventually enters the shops leading to huge losses for the businessmen.

On behalf of this, Benny Puthenparambil (Block Panchayat President) has filed a petition to the Tahasildar. Even minor rains leads to water logging in the Chettomkara road in Ranni town and the water enters the shops that are on the either sides of the road. The petition has urged the authorities to form a meeting regarding this and find an ultimate solution that would save the shops from getting affected with water logging. Majority of the drainage systems in Ittiyappara town is in bad condition and every year shop owners experience huge losses due to the unexpected entry of water into the shops.

Onam Kit Distributed at Block Junction Ranni

Onam Kit was distributed for deserved people at block junction in Ranni on 27th August 2012. The function was inaugurated by Shri Raju Abraham MLA and other members were also present at the event. The kit includes vegetable and food items that are essential to make a better Onam experience for all the families.

Ranni KSRTC Bus Stand in a Mess

The arrival of monsoon in Ranni has really brought a mess out of the KSRTC bus stand as it is filled with mud and water. As of now the KSRTC bus parks inside the private bus stand in Ittiyappara, Ranni. The way towards the KSRTC bus stand in Ranni is also filled with waste materials which make it difficult to go through.

Due to heavy rain, the KSRTC bus stand has become a mess as it got filled with muddy water and it was impossible for the travelers to walk through it. Due to this situation the KSRTC bus had no option but to park inside the private bus stand in Ranni.

The waste deposits is another major reason for concern, as the way towards the KSRTC bus stand is filled with waste which has been dumped by people and shop owners nearby. Earlier there was a place near the bus stand to dump the waste, but of late people has started dumping waste even into the road leading to KSRTC bus stand.

Scarcity of Doctors in Ranni Taluk Hospitals

Ranni Taluk hospital is facing a real scarcity of doctors and this is despite the increasing number of patients coming to this hospital. The minister level discussion had agreed to provide 6 doctors to the Taluk hospital in Ranni, but the decisions still remains in the papers and has not been implemented so far . Few days back the Health Department Directorate had  issued a circular regarding the appointment of two doctors, but the doctors are yet to join.

It was Minister V S Shivakumar  who promised to provide 6 doctors to Ranni Taluk hospital in the month of June itself. The hospitals management had got information regarding the appointment of two assistant surgeons who are yet to join. Few months back there was  an order to appoint one anesthetist and an eye specialist and even these two has not yet arrived at the hospital.

The Ranni Taluk Hospital is really facing serious scarcity of doctors and has even closed down its  emergency department.

Temporary Jobs in Ranni

For those who are looking for temporary or contract based job in Ranni, then there is some encouraging news for you. The Angadi Grama Panchayat is looking for Overseer and Accountant Cum Data Entry Operator and these posts are on temporary basis and the openings are under the National Employment Guarantee Scheme

Candidates having the required qualification and experience need to apply. The application should reach the Panchayat Secretary before 10th of July 2012. This is really a great opportunity for those who are still looking for a job in Ranni and even though this is a temporary one, this would help you a lot in your career. So if you think that you have the required qualifications and experience then rush your details to the Panchayat Secretary before it is too late.

House Catches Fire in Thottamon, Ranni

A house was caught fire and partially destructed in Thottamon, Ranni.  The incident happened at the Treasury Junction (Court Junction) infront of  St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral. The house of Kallumpurathu P V Gopi caught fire causing massive destruction of house and household items. A gap was also created on the wall due to the intensity of the fire.

The house caught fire when nobody was inside and people inside the Thottamon Sub Treasure saw fumes coming out of the house. They along with the labors of the Ranni mini civil station rushed to the scene and tried to contain the fire by flushing water that was meant for some construction purpose.

The fire force also came to the site, but by then the fire was under control and this was really a collective effort from the common people. Household appliances such as TV, Fridge, Mixi, Grinder and bed were burned severely.  The house owner also rushed to the scene once he was informed regarding this. Electric short circuit is considered to be behind this mishap.

Interview with Mr.Raju K Thomas, Managing Director - WimRock Granite

This is an interesting interview with the Mr Raju K Thomas, who is the Managing Director of WimRock Granite in Ranni. The interview throws light on how this amazing businessman tasted success in his venture and the challenges that he had to face in embracing the amazing success. Here Mr Praveen Thomas is in charge of the interview and hope you enjoy it....

A Fully Functional KSRTC Bus Station Remains a Dream for Ranni

Ranni is one of the major town in Pathanamthitta district and is one of the major gateway towards many districts and towns such as Kottayam, Erumely, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, High range areas etc. So buses from various places comes to Ranni or atleast passes through the town of Ranni on a regular basis. Ranni has two private bus stands, the major one in Ittiyappara  and the other one in Perumpuzha.  Both these bus stands witnesses bus services to other major towns and cities surrounding Ranni and the people in Ranni has been benefiting a lot from it.

Even having two private bus stands in Ranni, the dream of having a full fledged KSRT bus stand in Ranni still remains a dream in the mind of people living in Ranni. The efforts for getting sanction for a KSRTC bus stand in Ranni was started long time ago, but still it has not been fully achieved. Ranni has managed only to get a half functioning KSRTC depo without having space of its own and operates in the small space behind Ittiyappara bus stand. Huge political games in the past and present are ruining the chances of Ranni getting its own space for having a fully operational KSRTC bus station.

Most of the major towns and cities near Ranni are having their own KSRTC bus station, which makes the matter worse and takes the issue to the level of self-pride and esteem. If a KSRTC bus station is operational, then it would really reduce the travel woes of Ranni to a great extend as people in Ranni are over dependent on private buses for their transportation activities. There are several lands spaces available in Ranni which are suitable for building a KSRTC bus station, but the authorities do not bother about buying lands that are suitable for a KSRTC bus stand.

The current temporary KSRTC depo is not at all capable of fulfilling the needs of the people in Ranni as only few buses are operating from this make shift depo. So if a fully operation KSRTC bus station is present in Ranni, it would be of huge benefit for the people as well as the economic development of Ranni. Hope that Ranni soon gets a KSRTC bus station of its own in the coming years.

Real Estate Prices in Ranni Soaring High

Ranni seems to be one of the best places to live in Pathanamthitta District, and this is quite evident from the rising property rates in Ranni. Different areas in Ranni have different property rates, but are much high when compared with other places. Places such as Ittiyappara, Ranni Town (Perumpuzha), Thottamon, Block Pady, Chettomkara, Mamukku, Petta, Aythala etc all are eperiencing huge property prices. All these places are considered to be the best places to live in Ranni and that may be the reason behind the high property rates.

Most of the people in Ranni are working abroad, and majority of the NRIs invest in land and buildings and they have invested a good part of their wealth in properties in various parts of Ranni. The huge investment of NRIs in Ranni has a major role to play in the surging property rates in Ranni and this is certainly going to go higher in the coming months. Even the areas with sliding lands are also experiencing huge price in the market.

Ranni is mostly comprised of hilly areas and still people prefer to invest their money in buying land or house in Ranni. Ranni is considered to be a calm and beutiful place and this is another major reason that a lot of people are trying to buy land or houses in Ranni. But Ranni still has a long way to go, before it can match its nearby towns such as Pathanamthitta and Thiruvalla. Ranni is yet to have a top class hospital, movie hall, restaurant, shopping centres etc. But we cannot predict the future and all the previously said facilities may come to Ranni in the coming years,  provided Ranni gets a good political and social leader who can guide Ranni to a developed state. As of now this seems to remain a distant dream.