Development plan to convert Aluva into climate resilient town

KOCHI, Aug 7: In the wake of rising air and water pollution levels, an ambitious sustainable development plan is ready to convert Kerala's industrial township Aluva into a climate resilient town with people's participation. Supported by the UK Government and titled 'Framework for Future Proofing', the plan comprises a set of activities to be implemented by the Municipality of Aluva and the Kerala Government, under the pillars of urban development, including restoration of Kerala's longest river Periyar and waste management. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will launch the plan on August 10. "The project is designed to benefit citizens of Aluva, primarily with cleaner water and air, better sanitation facilities, improved road safety and flooding systems," the British Deputy High Commission said in a release here. The three key priority areas are urban design plan to improve the quality of public places to encourage use of low carbon transport options, restoration of Periyar River and implementation of green corridors and improvements in the waste management systems of Aluva, it said. The Chief Minister will also announce five sets of priority projects within the framework pillars covering intervention in sanitation, waste management and sewage systems as well as urban design. "With a substantial private sector involvement, these projects will play a key role towards improving the quality of life in Aluva," it said. Aluva occupies a strategic location between Kochi Airport and the main route to the port. Kochi metro and freight corridor terminates at Aluva and a large bus depot and railway station serves a wider area. Local communities and authorities are keen to address industrial and urban development challenges that are leading to pollution and high energy use. They are also keen to find a balance between meeting needs of the contemporary and growing urban population, while respecting the organic evolution of the city, and recognising that traditional materials and local traditional architecture have much to offer in both enhancing liveability and mitigating climate change and resource scarcity.