Prince Charles has offered support to the British government’s initiative for a major urban development project in Kerala which envisages the growth of Aluva town in the next 50 years.
The project, funded by Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID), includes the cleaning of the Periyar river, waste management, and a congestion-free road traffic system. The project will be implemented with the support of multinational companies WS Atkins and The International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism.
The 66-year-old heir to the British throne met a delegation from Aluva to get an update on the master plan and the project development.
During the discussions, the prince highlighted the U.K.’s expertise in sustainable planning and offered help to solve the growth-related issues of Aluva.
The delegation included Anwar Sadat, MLA; Aluva municipal chairman M.T. Jacob; municipal councillor Jebi Mather Hisham; and Cochin Regional Town Planner Pramod Kumar.
“With the U.K.-aided project, Aluva will be a role model for sustainable urban development for whole India. British officials will prepare a master plan which envisages the growth of Aluva in the next 50 years and beyond. Aluva will set an example for whole of India for urban development,” Mr. Sadat was quoted as saying by the Asian Lite newspaper.
In 2013, Prince Charles had visited Aluva and stayed at the historic summer palace of the Kochi royal family along with his consort Duchess of Cornwall Camilla.
CM’s message
The prince accepted a special message of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, conveying the gratitude of the State for his visit and for the project.
Aluva, home to Cochin International Airport, was selected for its strategic location and struggle to cope with the burgeoning urban population. – PTI
British officials to prepare master plan
Project includes clearing of the Periyar