Till last year, the development seminar of various local bodies, which chalks out the project plan for the financial year, used to be held in the month of August or later. But, from this year, it is being held before the beginning of the financial year in April. On Sunday, the city Corporation’s development seminar was held. Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran inaugurated the seminar.
In the next financial year, the local body is planning to implement projects estimated to cost ₹328.38 crore. Discussions were held as 19 separate groups on the draft proposals. Quite a few innovative proposals came up during the group discussions. One of the major demands was for a system to warn fish workers ahead of cyclones and to take immediate steps in the event of a tragedy.
Demands were also raised for provision of subsidies to set up waste management mechanisms in institutions and apartments. Another suggestion was for a mobile application for autorickshaws and taxis, with a rating system by the public, using which the drivers can be given incentives for good performance.
“For decentralisation of power to be effective, creative interventions have to come from the grassroots level. This will increase the quality of the planning process,” said Mr. Surendran.
Mayor V.K. Prashant said the Corporation would organise a massive cleaning campaign in April, with 10,000 people participating in it. The local body also plans to put an end to the practice of burning waste in public places with a ‘no burn’ campaign. He said the Corporation hoped to complete all projects under the Smart City project within three years.
State Planning Board member K.N. Harlilal said the Corporation should think of more integrated projects with smaller local bodies in the district. He suggested the cleaning up of Killi River as one such project that could be taken up jointly with the other local bodies.
“The government and Planning Board has been also raising the issue of the technical quality of the projects taken up. Quality is certainly an issue in some projects. This has to be improved. There are enough experts available to improve the technical quality and knowledge content of each project,” he said.
