For tackling environmental challenges to make Kochi brighter in future, the Corporation is planning to launch an array of eco-friendly projects in 2013. “Our primary mission for 2013 will be to make Kochi a clean and beautiful city in every aspect. Model roads, more trees, protecting the existing green carpet, launching eco-friendly projects and more effective solid waste management system are the major agendas before the civic body for 2013,” said Mayor Tony Chammany.
Waste Treatment
He said the Corporation is confident of treating waste from other municipalities too at its plant in Brahmapuram. “This year, we have entered into an agreement with Aluva and Thrikkakara municipalities to treat the waste at our plant in Brahmapuram. We are confident that once the new plant comes up, we will be able to treat waste from other municipalities too,” the Mayor said.
The Corporation has also initiated steps for setting up waste treatment units at the residential complexes in the city. The programme will be extended to the entire apartment complexes in the city in 2013, thereby making Kochi the first city in the state to have waste treatment units at all residential complexes.
Solar City
The Corporation had already initiated a project to develop Kochi into a Solar City. Initially, solar energy lamps were installed at some key areas. The project will be extended to other divisions of the Corporation in 2013. It will result in saving the conventional energy and increasing the energy efficiency.
Sewerage Treatment
The sewerage treatment plant at Elamkulam will be another major project that the Corporation will take up in 2013. “Still septage is being dumped in rivers and canals. It is high time authorities thought of a solution for curbing this practice of transporting septic tanks in tanker lorries and dump ing it at public places. A separate unit for treating septic tank waste will be set up at the Elamkulam Sewerage Treatment Plant,” said a top Corporation official.
Meanwhile, the Corporation authorities also have plans for developing Shanmugham Road into a modern road. “The idea is to make the road free from advertisements boards, street vendors and convert it into a neat stretch. More trees will be planted along the stretch and pedestrians will be provided with clean and tidy footpath,” the official said.
The Corporation will also launch various clean city projects at the school level. “It is in tune with the state government’s motto of the necessity of a decentralised waste management system. More awareness programmes and projects to encourage students to treat waste at the source itself will be launched at schools,” said Corporation health standing committee chairman T K Ashraf.