Kochi: The government is preparing several projects to transform Kochi into a more beautiful, spacious and liveable city, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said. As part of efforts to address the city’s worsening air pollution, an expert committee will be constituted this month to study the issue and recommend urgent remedial measures.
Speaking on the concluding day of the two-day ‘Future Kochi’ Conclave, jointly organised by the Kochi Municipal Corporation, Jain University and Cardiff University, the Chief Minister said the government viewed Kochi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which has crossed 188, with utmost seriousness. He stressed that the city must not be allowed to reach a situation similar to Delhi’s. Reducing the number of private vehicles entering the city and developing an efficient, integrated public transport network connecting bus, metro and water transport systems were essential to tackling pollution, he added.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for strict and scientifically designed waste management practices. A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) should cover the entire waste management cycle, from generation and collection to scientific processing and integration into a circular economy. He suggested that waste collection should be carried out using fully enclosed vehicles, as practised in several foreign countries. He also highlighted the need for a dedicated authority to support the Corporation and neighbouring municipalities in coordinating Kochi’s overall development, including waste management.
He said the government had approved several major projects for the city, including a state-of-the-art oceanarium, an international maritime museum, a global convention centre, and a ₹5,000-crore ship block manufacturing project at Ramanthuruthu, which is expected to generate 5,000 jobs. IT infrastructure development at Thanthonnithuruthu is another project in the pipeline. The progress of these initiatives will be reviewed within the next six months, he said. Preserving Kochi’s heritage and strengthening its tourism potential are also key priorities. The area near the Biennale venue will be acquired and developed into an expansive Cultural Heritage Centre. Kadamakkudy, with its natural beauty, will be developed as a major tourist destination.
The Chief Minister said his vision was to develop a ‘Greater Kochi’ by integrating the city with its surrounding regions, extending up to Paravur. Proposals for a ‘Gold Hub’ connecting Kochi and Thrissur, a ‘Seafood Hub’ at Aroor, and a ‘Furniture Hub’ in the Perumbavoor-Aluva region are also under consideration. He added that the structure of the Metropolitan Authority would be reorganised to ensure better coordination of development activities and timely completion of projects. The Chief Minister also announced that the third edition of Jain University’s ‘Summit of Future’ would be held from April 21 to 24 next year.
The meeting was presided over by Hibi Eden, MP. MLAs Muhammed Shiyas and Deepak Joy, Kochi Mayor Adv. V.K. Minimol, Thrikkakara Municipality Chairperson Rashid Ullampilly, Standing Committee Chairpersons, Deputy Mayor V.R. Sudheer, Corporation Secretary P.S. Shibu, Dr. Tom Joseph, Director of New Initiatives at Jain University, and Venu Rajamony, Chairman of the Future Kerala Mission, were among those present.
The two-day ‘Future Kochi’ Conclave concluded with a focus on sustainable urban development, improved infrastructure, environmental protection and regional economic growth.
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