KOCHI: The maiden budget of Finance Minister T.M Thomas Issac for 2016 – 17 failed to address the development needs of Kochi city, Mayor Soumini Jain said. Though Rs 500 crore was allocated for the Smart City programme, the Finance Minister failed to include any other projects or funds for the development of the other areas in the city, she said.
“It is unfortunate that the budget has completely ignored the proposals for rejuvenation and conservation of the canal system in the city which is part of the climate change adaptation strategy. The proposal assumes great significance in the wake of climate change impacting city life in the form of heavy flooding and change in rainfall pattern,” said Ms. Jain.
No allocation has been made for the new solid waste treatment plant proposed at Brahmapuram while the much awaited Vyttila and Kundanoor flyovers were also ignored. The more than two decades old proposal to develop Thammanam-Pullepady Road also failed to find mention in the budget. The Mayor also expressed dissatisfaction over non allocation of separate funds for the Cochin Cancer Institute. However, Ms. Jain welcomed the proposal to introduce 1000 CNG buses and allocation of funds for various other projects.
