Smart City Phase 2 Approval Ignites Council Controversy in Thiruvananthapuram
The Thiruvananthapuram corporation council meeting on Saturday descended into sharp criticism and heated exchanges as the ruling administration moved to fast-track approval for the second phase of the Smart City project. Opposition councillors launched a vigorous attack, alleging the decision was rushed through ahead of the mayor's scheduled visit to New Delhi to meet the Prime Minister.
Allegations of Hasty Process and Lack of Consultation
Opposition members strongly objected to what they described as a hurried approval process. They claimed the project was placed before the council and approved without adequate discussion or proper consultation. Several councillors expressed frustration that they were unaware of crucial details about the ambitious initiative.
"Democratic decorum must be upheld at all times," declared senior LDF councillor K Sreekumar, who emphasized that procedural norms must be followed even during emergency meetings. He highlighted how technical, jargon-heavy English documents made it difficult for members to understand the proposal even after quick reading.
Language Controversy and Procedural Concerns
A significant point of contention emerged regarding the circulation of agendas entirely in English. Councillors from across party lines objected to this practice, calling it a violation of democratic norms in a state where Malayalam serves as the official administrative language.
LDF councillor R P Shivaji echoed the demand for agendas in Malayalam and insisted on detailed discussions. He reminded the council that the corporation, which has earned recognition for its sanitation initiatives, should not dilute its established consultative processes.
Councillors pointed out that the usual corporation practice involves placing agendas in advance after detailed deliberations in standing committee meetings. They argued that bypassing this established process undermined informed decision-making and proper democratic procedure.
Financial Implications and Ward-Level Awareness
UDF leader K S Sabarinadhan raised serious concerns about the proposal appearing to have been brought forward without adequate study. He revealed that even councillors from wards likely to be affected by related projects were completely unaware of the plan, raising questions about transparency and local representation.
Several councillors demanded that the views of elected representatives be properly sought before clearing a project of such significant scale and financial implications. They urged the council to carefully assess the potential financial burden on the corporation and its constituents.
Administration's Defense and Meeting Disruption
Responding to the mounting criticism, mayor V V Rajesh explained that the notification for the second phase was received only on January 31, with the submission deadline set for February 15. "That is why the matter was brought before the council urgently," he stated, adding that an emergency meeting was convened as he was scheduled to travel on Monday.
However, opposition councillors countered that they could not attend standing committee meetings due to short notice. They further alleged that agendas of key committees were not circulated in time, preventing proper preparation and participation.
The heated exchange culminated with the mayor concluding the meeting abruptly and leaving the council hall, leaving many issues unresolved and tensions running high.
Smart City Mission Clarification and Sustainable Transport Initiative
Following the initial criticism, officials from the Smart City Mission attended the council meeting to explain the project details and address concerns. Their presentation aimed to clarify technical aspects and project objectives, though many councillors remained unsatisfied with the explanations provided.
Earlier in the day, mayor Rajesh had flagged off electric KSRTC bus services on 23 routes from Kodunganoor. This sustainable transport initiative, launched in coordination with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, aims to promote eco-friendly urban mobility.
The electric buses are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions while improving last-mile connectivity, particularly benefiting commuters from interior areas of Thiruvananthapuram. This development represents a positive step toward sustainable urban development, even as the council debates the broader Smart City project implementation.
