A high-level delegation from Kochi, led by Mayor V K Minimol, presented a comprehensive proposal to Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Friday. The blueprint outlines nine priority projects aimed at sustainable development and infrastructure growth in the city.
Key Focus Areas for Urban Development
The proposal targets long-term solutions to Kochi's most pressing urban challenges, including traffic congestion, drinking water scarcity, and waste management bottlenecks. It emphasizes a holistic approach to city planning.
Transportation and Connectivity Projects
Five major connectivity projects have been proposed to revolutionize city transit. These include the widening and development of the Thammanam-Pullepady Road, Palluruthy Road, and the Goshree-Mamangalam Road, which features a vital new bridge. Additionally, the construction of the Atlantis rail overbridge (ROB) and the Mattancherry Halt ROB are prioritized to bypass severe bottleneck zones.
Water Supply and Waste Management Initiatives
The proposal outlines a 190 MLD drinking water project alongside the Thammanam reservoir to secure supply for West Kochi and neighboring regions. Waste management will receive a tech-driven upgrade through an integrated waste management and waste-to-energy project centered at Brahmapuram.
Environmental and Social Welfare Measures
Environmental resilience is addressed through the Vembanad Lake rejuvenation mission, aimed at ecological preservation and flood mitigation. On the social welfare front, the plan incorporates the Indira Canteen project to provide subsidized meals to the urban poor.
Urgent Appeals and Support Sought
The delegation urged the Chief Minister to expedite critical land acquisition clearances and sanction a special, one-time financial package. They emphasized that strong backing from the state government is essential to execute these projects in a strict, time-bound manner.
The delegation included various standing committee chairpersons and the municipal corporation secretary, along with MP Hibi Eden and MLAs T J Vinod, Uma Thomas, Tony Chammany, Mohammed Shiyas, and Deepak Joy.
