Corp eyes special package from new UDF govt

Kochi: The cash-strapped Kochi corporation is counting on the UDF's return to power in Kerala to unlock funding for a city development plan centred on road infrastructure, canal rejuvenation and improved waste management. To fund these initiatives, the corporation is seeking a special financial package from the new state govt.A delegation led by mayor VK Minimol will meet the chief minister and key cabinet members within a week of the new cabinet assuming office. "Our local body's own revenue is insufficient to meet major project expenses. We require financial backing from the govt for implementing large-scale works," Minimol said. Road development is the corporation's immediate priority. The mayor highlighted the need to complete the widening of Thammanam-Pulleppady Road into a four-lane corridor. While the state govt has already allocated Rs 100 crore for land acquisition related to this project, the funds are yet to be released. "The Pottakuzhi-Mamangalam Road is still at the proposal stage and requires full project funding. Once both roads are completed, they will significantly ease congestion in the city. We also want to finish the 40-feet road work in Palluruthy," Minimol said. The corporation is facing a deepening financial crisis following the expiry of mega initiatives like Smart City. With its own revenue too limited to sustain large infrastructure projects, the corporation is heavily dependent on state support to fill the funding gap. Drinking water scarcity has been a persistent challenge for the city. "The only lasting solution is the construction of a 190 million litres per day (MLD) water treatment plant proposed at Aluva. This plant is crucial for resolving Kochi's water issues. One of our key demands will be expediting the project, the tender must be floated at the earliest," she said. Plastic waste management is another pressing concern requiring both state funding and policy direction. The corporation is considering a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant as a viable solution. However, clarity is needed on how this aligns with the state govt's already-announced waste-to-energy plant for Kochi. "We need to determine which project will be implemented and begin work without further delay," Minimol said.