Final sitting of urban policy commission begins

The final sitting of the Kerala Urban Policy Commission, constituted by the State government to formulate a comprehensive urban policy to guide Kerala’s development activities for the next 25 years, began here on Monday (March 24). The commission’s final report will be submitted to the government after the sitting. The meeting laid stress on the need to focus more on spatial planning in the State.

The commission has also called for proper training of the officials who are tasked to implement the policy on the ground. The available land should be used effectively after studying the restrictions on land use. The meeting suggested that new ways should be sought for waste water disposal. The housing issues of the increasing number of migrant workers should be addressed in the new urban policy. Planning should also take into account the climatic changes and cultural characteristics of Kerala, observed the meeting.

Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh, Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, Urban Commission members and other officials were present.