Maradu municipal budget focuses on sustainable development, infrastructure

Maradu: Aiming for sustainable development and comprehensive progress, Maradu municipality's budget for 2026-27 financial year was presented in the council on Monday.Budget, presented by municipality deputy chairperson Jinson Peter, shows estimated revenue of Rs 111.27 crore and expenditure of Rs 101.84 crore in 2026-27. Estimated surplus will be Rs 9.42 crore.It was also announced that this is the first budget prepared entirely through K-Smart system.Budget places emphasis on infrastructure development. Special plans were formulated for development of tourism in Valanthakkad. Funds were allocated for open stage, food court, decorative lights and boat jetty renovation.LED lights will be installed at Nettoor parallel bridge and Nettoor railway overbridge. A lift system will be installed near the existing steps at Kundannoor Thevara bridge. Onam Kazhcha held in connection with Onam celebrations will be resumed and land will be acquired for development of Father George Vakayil Road.Funds were also allocated for construction of a perimeter wall and mini auditorium for Mangail High School. In addition, funds were included in the budget for establishing a Buds School in the municipality and finding land for setting up a biowaste treatment plant.An allocation of Rs 2.25 crore was made for reconstruction of Ambedkar Hall and another Rs 2.5 crore for completion of VP Peter Shopping Complex. A comprehensive plan will be prepared for renovation of Kundannoor Junction and improvement of transport facilities.An amount of Rs 1 crore was allocated for first-floor extension and fourth-floor renovation of municipality building. Front office system will be modernised and a mini conference hall will be set up. Budget also includes funds for renovation of other auditoriums in the municipality, such as Priyadarshini Hall and EK Nayanar Hall.Budget announced that special squads will be formed to streamline tax collection and that action will be taken against illegal hoardings.