In a significant move aimed at transforming urban governance and cleanliness, the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation is set to implement the highly acclaimed Indore model of waste management. The announcement was made by the newly elected mayor, V V Rajesh, signaling a renewed push for efficient civic administration in the Kerala capital.
A Blueprint for Cleanliness: Learning from the Best
Addressing a 'Meet the Press' program alongside deputy mayor G S Asha Nath for the first time since assuming office, Mayor Rajesh revealed that he has already initiated discussions with the mayor of Indore. The primary goal is to study and replicate the best practices that have consistently earned Indore the top spot in the national Swachh Survekshan rankings. To gain firsthand insights, a delegation from Thiruvananthapuram will soon visit the Madhya Pradesh city.
This decision underscores the corporation's commitment to overhauling its solid waste management system, which is often a critical challenge for urban local bodies across India. The Indore model is renowned for its source segregation, efficient door-to-door collection, and processing mechanisms.
Addressing Key Civic Challenges: Buses, Strays, and Finances
During the interaction, Mayor Rajesh also tackled other pressing issues facing the city. He provided clarity on the controversy surrounding electric buses procured under the Smart City Mission. Rajesh confirmed that several buses were diverted to areas like Neyyattinkara, Nedumangad, Idukki, and Kattapana, deviating from their intended urban use. He assured citizens that steps are now being taken to bring all these electric buses back within city limits to bolster public transport services.
On the growing menace of stray dogs, the mayor stated that the civic body would strictly follow the directives of the Supreme Court. The proposed solution is multi-pronged: establishing permanent shelter homes for stray dogs as a long-term measure, alongside sustained vaccination and sterilization drives.
To strengthen the corporation's financial health, key revenue-enhancement measures were announced. These include the phased recovery of pending income tax dues and an upward revision of rents for corporation-owned buildings to align with current market rates. Deputy Mayor Asha Nath emphasized that these steps are vital for ensuring financial stability and funding future development projects.
A Vision for the Future: Top Three City by 2030
Highlighting a long-term vision for Thiruvananthapuram, Mayor Rajesh expressed strong confidence that by the year 2030, the city will emerge as one of the three best cities in India. This transformation, he envisions, will be marked by vastly improved infrastructure, transparent governance, and a superior quality of life for all residents.
In a related political development, the mayor also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the city within the next 45 days, a promise earlier made by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
The announcements mark a comprehensive agenda set by the new council, focusing on practical solutions for immediate problems while charting an ambitious course for the city's future development and livability.
