Thrikkakara municipality unveils development focused budget

Kochi: Thrikkakara municipality unveiled a development-focused budget with major allocations for housing, waste management and infrastructure.Presenting the revised budget for 2025–26 and budget estimate for 2026–27, deputy chairperson Shereena Shukoor outlined plans aimed at sustainable and inclusive growth. For 2025–26, the revised budget projects a total revenue of over Rs 200 crore, including a previous balance of over Rs 72 crore and anticipated receipts of over Rs 100 crore. A major highlight is the allocation of Rs 10 crore for housing projects for the homeless. In the waste management sector, Rs 2 crore is earmarked for establishing a centralised waste management plant, while Rs 1 crore is set aside for modern waste treatment initiatives in collaboration with BPCL Kochi Refinery. The municipality also allocated Rs 15 crore for land acquisition and green initiatives, including public awareness campaigns and the implementation of waste recycling models such as Thumboormuzhi model to promote waste segregation and reduction at the household level. To strengthen the functioning of Haritha Karma Sena, Rs 50 lakh is earmarked for purchasing specially designed vehicles to improve operational efficiency. The budget further prioritises infrastructure development, sanitation, drinking water projects, welfare measures for Scheduled Castes and vulnerable sections, youth development, healthcare and education. For 2026–27, budget estimate projects total receipts of over Rs 100 crore, including the carried-forward surplus. With an estimated expenditure of over Rs 100 crore, the municipality anticipates a surplus of over Rs 20 crore. Speaking to TOI, Shukoor said the proposals envisioned in the first budget of municipality's tenure would drive sustainable urban development in the municipality in the coming years.