Trichy Corporation Tables Deficit Budget with Historic Climate Focus
The Trichy Corporation has presented its budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, revealing a significant deficit of 106.7 crore. However, in a groundbreaking move, the civic body has earmarked a substantial 362 crore exclusively for a pioneering 'climate budget.' This innovative initiative marks the first of its kind in the region, aimed at transforming Trichy into a climate-resilient city and actively mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change through targeted environmental projects.
Deficit Budget Details and Financial Outlook
The city budget was formally presented by Taxation and Finance Committee Chairperson T Muthuselvam during a session attended by Mayor Mu Anbalagan and Commissioner L Madhubalan. The financial statement estimates total revenue at 1,248.3 crore against projected expenditures of 1,355.1 crore, resulting in the deficit. Notably, this represents the second consecutive year where the corporation has recorded a deficit exceeding 100 crore.
Addressing concerns about the financial shortfall, Mayor Anbalagan provided clarification, stating, "Approximately 192 crore is anticipated through pending subsidies and outstanding funds from finance commissions. Once these dues are successfully collected, the current deficit situation will be effectively addressed and resolved."
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan and Green Initiatives
The climate budget allocation is dedicated to implementing a robust climate action plan designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance urban sustainability. Key projects include the installation of floating wetland islands in ten major tanks at a cost of 94 lakh. These innovative structures will utilize recycled floating mats planted with saplings to improve water quality and support beneficial aquatic microbes and plankton.
Additional measures under the plan feature floating aerators proposed with a budget of 4.2 crore to further enhance tank water quality. To combat pollution, trash barriers will be strategically installed in tanks and roadside canals to prevent illegal waste dumping. Reflecting the growing adoption of electric vehicles, 50 lakh has been sanctioned to expand EV charging infrastructure at public locations across the city.
T Muthuselvam emphasized, "With the significant rise in electric vehicle usage, this investment in charging infrastructure is crucial for promoting sustainable transportation and reducing our carbon footprint."
Furthermore, 22 lakh has been allocated for conducting energy audits in corporation buildings to identify opportunities for renewable energy generation and improve overall energy efficiency.
Urban Beautification and Educational Enhancements
The corporation continues to prioritize green space creation and urban beautification to strengthen Trichy's identity. A major initiative includes developing urban forests using the Miyawaki method at ten locations across all five zones, with a budget of 15 crore. This technique promotes dense, native forest growth in small areas, enhancing biodiversity and urban greenery.
In the education sector, the budget proposes establishing virtual reality labs in ten corporation schools to modernize learning experiences. It also assures the construction of permanent buildings for schools currently operating from rented premises. The education fund maintains a healthy surplus reserve of 7.6 crore to support these and future academic improvements.
Political Dissent During Budget Session
The budget presentation was not without controversy, as AIADMK councillors C Aravindan from Ward 14 and K K Ambikapathi from Ward 65 staged a walkout during the session. They alleged that several promises from previous budgets remained unimplemented and that their respective wards had been consistently ignored in development plans.
Mayor Anbalagan responded to these allegations by stating that 64 crore had been invested in AIADMK councillors' wards since 2022. He asserted, "All wards have been given equal importance regardless of political affiliations. This budget prioritizes essential infrastructure like roads, drains, and flood prevention systems while equally emphasizing climate change impact mitigation. We have made only implementable and realistic promises to ensure tangible progress for the city."
