Slew of development, welfare measures proposed

In what Mayor M. Anilkumar says is an effort to address issues of the poor and the downtrodden, the Corporation Budget features a set of development and welfare measures. A plan is in the offing for the development of Mattancherry, Edakochi, Palluruthy and Vaduthala — areas that the budget document identifies as poorly developed. Access to basic facilities and living conditions will be improved. A socio-economic survey will be carried out first to assess the existing facilities. The areas will then be divided into zones depending on their needs and development plans will be prepared for each zone. Habitable homes, water connections, and access to the internet will be provided, besides encouraging aquaculture in these areas, setting up libraries and play areas. A detailed town planning scheme will be developed for Mattancherry, keeping in mind its historical and cultural significance. A technical committee will be formed to execute the project, for which an initial outlay of ₹30 crore has been proposed in the Budget.