Sun Mar 30 18:25:15 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Unveils 25-Year Urban Policy Plan

**Thiruvananthapuram, March 30, 2025** – Kerala has become the first state in India to adopt a comprehensive 25-year urban policy, submitted on Sunday to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The 2,359-page report, compiled by the Kerala Urban Policy Commission headed by M. Satheesh Kumar, proposes a significant overhaul of urban governance and development, incorporating climate resilience and citizen participation.

The policy, based on extensive research including 33 short studies and 53 stakeholder meetings, anticipates a northward shift in urbanization by 2050. It outlines ten key policy pillars focusing on people-centric development, resilience, and strengthened local governance. A notable recommendation is the adoption of a “public, private, and people’s partnership” (PPPP) model for future development.

Key recommendations include:

* **Climate Resilience:** Development of risk-informed master plans at the local level, integrating climate resilience into all spatial planning. A targeted green fee on urban development projects will fund disaster risk reduction initiatives.
* **Revamped Governance:** Professionalization of urban local bodies, potentially including the creation of a “City Cabinet” headed by the Mayor in Corporations. The establishment of City Business Development Councils to foster local economic growth and enhance financial independence of urban local governments.
* **Waste Management:** Decentralized sewage and faecal sludge treatment plants, along with the designation of open spaces as carbon sinks.
* **Improved Healthcare:** The formation of city, town, and ward-level health committees to address the needs of the elderly.

Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh highlighted that some recommendations, such as municipal planning committees and municipal bonds, are already included in this year’s budget. The Cabinet will review the report before final adoption. The report marks a significant step towards sustainable and inclusive urban development in Kerala, setting a potential model for other Indian states.

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