Thrissur Corporation Unveils Ambitious UDF Budget with Major Welfare and Green Initiatives
The Thrissur Corporation, under the newly elected UDF regime, has presented its maiden budget, packed with significant welfare measures, infrastructure projects, and a bold vision to transform the city into a sustainable urban hub. The budget, announced by Deputy Mayor A Prasad and Mayor Niji Justin, focuses on social welfare, environmental sustainability, and urban development.
Key Welfare Proposals for Residents
Free Electricity and Bus Travel: In a major relief to economically disadvantaged families, the budget proposes to provide free electricity up to 200 units to households belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories. Additionally, it introduces free bus travel for women and children within city limits on buses operated by the corporation in collaboration with KSRTC. This initiative aims to enhance mobility and reduce transportation costs for vulnerable groups.
Affordable Food and Health Initiatives: The budget includes plans to launch Indira canteens, which will offer breakfast at a concessional rate of Rs 10 and lunch and dinner for Rs 30, ensuring access to affordable meals. On the health front, steps are proposed to convert Thrissur into an "oxygen city" in collaboration with the National Ayush Mission, Oushadhi, and the State Medicinal Plant Board. The first phase will focus on transforming the Kuttumukku Nettissery area into an oxygen zone, complemented by yoga zones, walking pathways, running paths, cycling tracks, and health kiosks.
Infrastructure and Environmental Projects
Electric Buses and Stadium Complex: To support the free bus travel scheme, the corporation plans to enter into an agreement with KSRTC to allocate an electric bus and purchase another 15 electric buses for intra-city operations. In a tribute to late Jose Kattukkaran, the first mayor of Thrissur Corporation, the budget envisages setting up a mini stadium complex in his name and relaunching the popular Chakkolas Trophy Football Tournament to promote sports.
Green and Waste Management Initiatives: Emphasizing sustainability, the budget proposes:
- Units to produce diesel from plastic waste, addressing pollution and promoting recycling.
- Introduction of floating solar panels in ponds to harness renewable energy.
- Water reusable plants to conserve resources and improve water management.
Innovative Urban Development Plans
Enhanced Services and Nightlife: The budget moots innovative proposals such as setting up milk ATMs for easy access to dairy products and launching a 24-hour functional corporation office to improve public service accessibility. Mayor Niji Justin highlighted that the budget prioritizes infrastructure development, waste management, urban heritage preservation, education, health, and sanitation sectors. She also announced plans to make Thrissur's nightlife more vibrant and colorful, boosting local economy and tourism.
Financial Overview and Vision
Deputy Mayor A Prasad disclosed that the budget estimates a revenue of Rs 1,128.85 crore and an expenditure of Rs 349.43 crore, resulting in a substantial surplus of Rs 779.42 crore. This financial prudence allows for funding these ambitious projects without straining resources. The budget reflects a comprehensive approach to urban governance, blending social welfare with environmental stewardship and economic growth, aiming to position Thrissur as a model city in Kerala.
