Kochi needs to strategise to combat Climate Change

KOCHI: There is an urgent need for Kochi, which, being a coastal city is more vulnerable to rising sea levels, to come up with a strategy to combat the effects of Climate Change, according to Sarada G. Muraleedharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala.  Muraleedharan was addressing a national urban development conclave Bodhi.

While master plans are long term plans, cities like Kochi need flexible and adaptable policies. Civic bodies must go beyond routine administrative tasks and put up visionary plans while working to raise their own funds. If there is concentrated effort, she noted, modern garbage treatment systems, slaughterhouses, and litter-free public spaces are easily achievable. Since recommendations and ideas for development emerge from the grassroots level, engaging local organisations as engines for economic growth is crucial, according to Sharmila Joseph, Principal Secretary Local Self Government (Urban) Government of Kerala.

However, the grants from the 15th Finance Commission are not enough to support local body expansion. Therefore, they must maximize funds collection from professional and property taxes. Municipal bond issuance as a potential source of funding can also be utilised by the local bodies. Despite experiencing flooding during rains, Kochi, according to Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament from Ernakulam, has not yet completed a drainage master plan.