KOCHI: Industry chambers in Kochi want political parties contesting in the Kochi corporation council to give top priority to address issues connected with waste management and pollution in the city. The ability to get funds from the Union Government for various urban development projects is another major factor in the wish list of the chambers.
“The absence of a proper waste management facility is the first and foremost issue facing the city”, C.S. Kartha President of Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries told DC on Saturday.
“A city like Kochi which generates over 300 tonnes of waste per day should opt for decentralized waste treatment plants instead of a centralized system”, he said.
Political parties should also address issues like adequate supply of drinking water and proper maintenance of city roads, he added. “We would urge the new council to adopt advanced techniques for asphalting city roads”, Mr. Kartha said.
The ability to avail funds from the central government was another major factor that needed attention. ‘It is disheartening to note that our city has been unable to channelise the central funds available under JNNURM” he said.
The new government at the Centre has devised several new projects such as Smart City in which local bodies will play a crucial role, said A.J. Rajan secretary Kerala Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
“People heading local bodies should have a knowledge base and capacity to source funds under these projects and implement them successfully”, Mr. Rajan said.
The city corporation should also take effective steps to bring down pollution levels in the city, he added.
Mr. Kartha also wanted the city corporation to pay adequate attention to the public transport system and parking.
“Kochi has a floating population of over three lakh people that calls for an efficient and integrated public transport system”, he said.
Adequate parking facility and implementation of E-governance are other priority areas suggested by the chambers.
