THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Political differences and stiff local resistance to the implementation of master plan is going to cost the city dear.
The master plan is one of the mandatory requirements for Centre’s Smart City programme aimed at improving quality of life and overall development of Indian cities.
The city corporation’s ruling front seems to be least bothered about the future of the capital city.
It is rumoured that the election code of conduct would come into force in August and the current councillors irrespective of party affiliations are busy finalising nominees for the October elections.
The draft master plan for Thiruvananthapuram, prepared by the State Town and Country Planning Department, was cancelled following opposition from political parties and local protests.
Some seven cities from the state were in the 100 cities short-listed for the programme and the centre would be granting Rs 500 crore per annum for each city for a period of five years.
A top official of Urban Affairs Department said that Thiruvananthapuram Corporation did not have a comprehensive master plan which is a prerequisite.
Centre is giving top priority for capital cities of all state but the future of the state capital is looking bleak.
“Master plan is a very crucial document for planned development of any city and zone-based development of various sectors is crucial for drawing Central funds. It’s crucial for long-term integrated development and the State and Centre are unlikely to pick Thiruvananthapuram for the project,” said the official.
When asked about this, mayor K. Chandrika said all these years the Centre allotted funds for corporations not based on any master plan or such documents.
