In a significant move aimed at accelerating urban development, the Kalamassery municipality has formally approached the state government seeking a relaxation of stringent green zone regulations. The local body argues that large-scale upcoming projects, most notably the relocation of the High Court to the area, necessitate a review of the current zoning framework.
Consensus Building with State Government
The municipality has taken concrete steps to advance its proposal. A crucial meeting has been scheduled with the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) Minister, M B Rajesh, for next Wednesday. The objective of this discussion is to build a consensus with the state government on modifying the existing norms that govern permissible construction areas.
Municipality Chairperson Jamal Manakkadan stated that a formal request has already been submitted. He emphasized that the proposed Judicial City project, which includes shifting the High Court to Kalamassery, is a primary driver for this review. "The shift of the High Court to Kalamassery will act as a catalyst for development in the region and there will be a need for improved infrastructure," Manakkadan said. He expressed hope that the discussions with the minister would expedite procedures, potentially leading to a favourable decision ahead of the state assembly elections.
Addressing Critical Water Shortages
Parallel to its development push, the municipality is also tackling a pressing civic issue: acute drinking water scarcity. Households, particularly in high-altitude areas like Thevakkal and HMT Colony, have been severely affected.
To mitigate this crisis, a major new water supply project is in the works. The municipality plans to construct a new overhead water tank near the Siberia Hostel on the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) campus. This project, with an estimated cost of Rs 12.5 crore, will be implemented under the central government's Amrut scheme. Upon completion, it is slated to become the tallest water tank in Kalamassery, significantly easing the water supply crisis for residents.
Supporting Housing Initiatives
In another supportive measure for development, the local body has submitted an application seeking a financial waiver to aid a housing project. The municipality has requested a waiver of Rs 1.2 crore in land record conversion fees. This waiver is intended to facilitate the smooth construction of houses under the state's Life Mission housing project, ensuring that bureaucratic hurdles do not delay affordable housing for beneficiaries.
The combined efforts to relax zoning rules for large-scale infrastructure and simultaneously address basic civic amenities like water and housing underscore the municipality's multi-pronged strategy for planned growth in the rapidly developing region of Kalamassery.
