So Kochi Corporation has put together its big budget wish list for new UDF government . And it looks like they have some major plans for the city's development.
This list has about 12 essential projects,but one everyone is talking about is the Indira Canteen initiative . This was launched back in March to give people affordable meals.
And honestly,this is a really good idea ah . It's not just about food security,it's also about supporting women's livelihoods through social enterprise.
But funding seems to be main issue rn. Mayor V.K . Minimol has asked for government support,specifically a subsidy component . Right now,the whole thing is running on corporate social responsibility funding,which can't last forever . The Corporation is already feeling the financial burden.
Few key projects on their list:
- Indira Canteen leading the charge for a hunger-free Kochi and empowering women.
- Major drinking water project with a 190 MLD treatment plant for several municipalities.
- Road and railway improvements like new roads and overbridges to fix mobility.
And it's not just canteens . There is also this long-awaited drinking water treatment plant,which will be funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) . This is a big one,expected to help not just Kochi Corporation but also nearby areas like Aluva and Thrikkakara.
Then there are road projects to deal with city's traffic . They are pushing for the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road and Goshree-Pachalam-Mamangalam Road to improve connectivity .
Everyone knows how bad traffic can get,so these things are badly needed.
The Corporation is very optimistic that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and new government will look at their proposals seriously . They are talking about a "blue economy" and sustainable development for the city's future.
But putting a list together is one thing,getting it approved in the budget is another thing completely . Let's just wait and see how many of these plans actually become reality…
