State budget ignored Kochi, says opposition council

Kochi: Opposition councillors in corporation said that state budget presented by chief minister V D Satheesan completely ignored Kochi corporation.The opposition said that during the tenure of previous govt and its governing committee, special attention was given to formulating and implementing projects considering the city’s potential and development importance.

“Steps were also taken to solve the problems faced by the city. Such an approach was not seen this time. UDF is leading both state and city administration. Yet, the govt completely neglected Kochi in the budget,” said V A Sreejith, opposition leader in the corporation.The budget has no projects to address the city’s waterlogging, drinking water shortage, traffic congestion and issues including stray dogs, Sreejith added.“There are also no projects that would boost development. It was learnt that mayor V K Minimol had submitted nine priority projects to the chief minister. These included Brahmapuram-centred integrated waste management and waste-to-energy project, Vembanad Lake rejuvenation mission for flood prevention and environmental protection, subsidy for Indira Canteens to provide food at low cost, development of Thammanam–Pulleppady Road, construction of 40ft road in Palluruthy, Atlantis ROB, Mattancherry Halt ROB, and 190 MLD drinking water project.

However, none of these found a place in the budget. Only Rs 1 crore has been allocated for constructing Goshree–Bolgatty parallel bridge and for land acquisition for Goshree–Mamangalam road construction. There is an announcement of a JC Daniel Film City. It remains to be seen whether it will be within city limits,” Sreejith said.