Proposal for nine priority projects for Kochi’s development handed over to CM

Kochi: A high-level delegation, comprising mayor V K Minimol, on Friday submitted a comprehensive proposal, featuring nine priority projects aimed at the sustainable development and infrastructure growth of Kochi, to chief minister V D Satheesan.The blueprint focuses on delivering long-term, sustainable solutions to Kochi’s most pressing urban challenges, including traffic congestion, drinking water scarcity and waste management bottlenecks.With a view to revolutionize city transit, five major connectivity projects have been proposed. These include the widening and development of the Thammanam-Pullepady Road, Palluruthy road, and Goshree-Mamangalam Road, which features a vital new bridge. Additionally, the construction of Atlantis rail overbridge (ROB) and Mattancherry Halt ROB are prioritized to bypass severe bottleneck zones.The proposal also outlines a 190 MLD drinking water project alongside Thammanam reservoir to secure supply for West Kochi and neighbouring regions. Waste management will receive a tech-driven upgrade via an integrated waste management and waste-to-energy project centered at Brahmapuram. Furthermore, environmental resilience is addressed through Vembanad Lake rejuvenation mission, aimed at ecological preservation and flood mitigation. On the social welfare front, the plan incorporates Indira Canteen project to provide subsidized meals to the urban poor.The delegation urged the chief minister to speed up critical land acquisition clearances and sanction a special, one-time financial package. It pointed out that a strong backing of state govt is needed to execute these projects in a strict, time-bound manner.The delegation also included various standing committee chairpersons, and municipal corporation secretary, besides Hibi Eden, MP, and MLAs including T J Vinod, Uma Thomas, Tony Chammany, Mohammed Shiyas and Deepak Joy.Ends