THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Urban Commission, formed to guide urbanisation for next 25 years, has come up with a slew of recommendations including 25% reservation for youngsters in local bodies, formation of metropolitan planning committees in Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, strengthened early-warning systems to address climate-related risks, professionalisation of urban governance and more. The commission submitted its interim report to the chief minister on Wednesday.
LSG Minister M B Rajesh on Thursday said that the commission will be submitting the completed report by March 2025. He said that the commission has identified that Kerala is evolving into a continuous urban expanse, making it difficult to differentiate where cities begin and villages end.
The urban commission headed by Satheesh Kumar of Queen’s University Belfast, includes national and international experts. The minister said that the recommendations are based on extensive studies, discussions focusing on 10 key areas including urbanisation, planning and design strategies, sustainable infrastructure and more.
Rajesh said that the report offers comprehensive recommendations setting a roadmap for Kerala’s urbanisation simultaneously addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. The report strongly recommends the strengthening of LSG institutions to tackle the problems and opportunities of urbanisation. He said that the commission recommends efforts to increase own fund of local bodies by intensifying property tax collection to 90%.
Key recommendations
Professionalisation of urban governance
Dedicated project teams for financial management of projects
Metropolitan planning committees for Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode
Similar committees in Kollam, Thrissur and Kannur in the next decade.
Business development councils in urban areas
25% reservation for youngsters
SPVs under local bodies for projects
Comprehensive spatial planning framework, including joint planning committees for all municipalities
Strengthened early-warning systems for climate-related risks
Comprehensive flood mapping and management systems
Carbon audits and de-carbonisation measures by local bodies.