Mon Sep 08 17:09:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Kerala is finalizing its urban policy at a two-day urban conclave in Kochi, starting September 12th, 2025. The event will feature prominent figures like Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and various ministers from India and Sri Lanka. The conclave will focus on ten themes identified by the Kerala Urban Policy Commission, with a report presented by M. Satheesh Kumar and M. Anilkumar. The event will also include a political forum and a councillors’ assembly. An exhibition on Kerala’s urban development will be held alongside the conclave.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Set to Unveil Urban Policy at Kochi Conclave**

**KOCHI, September 8, 2025** – Kerala is poised to finalize its urban policy at a significant two-day urban conclave commencing September 12th at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Kochi. Minister for Local Self-Governments, M.B. Rajesh, announced that the conclave will shape the state’s approach to urban development.

The event will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and presided over by Minister Rajesh. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, will attend as the chief guest, alongside a host of dignitaries, including Union Minister George Kurian, Sri Lankan Minister for Urban Development Anura Karunathilake, Martin Meyar, member of the executive council of public works and infrastructure, South Africa, Ministers K.N. Balagopal, K. Rajan, A.K. Saseendran and P. Rajeeve, and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan.

M. Satheesh Kumar, chairman of the Kerala Urban Policy Commission, and M. Anilkumar, co-chairman and Kochi Mayor, will present the Commission’s report, which will form the basis for deliberations across ten key themes. The conclave will also feature a high-level political forum involving ministers and mayors, and a councillors’ assembly bringing together corporation mayors and municipality chairpersons from across Kerala.

Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator for India, will be the chief guest at the valedictory session on September 13th. Ministers P. Rajeeve, Mr. Rajesh, Roshi Augustine, K. Krishnankutty and J. Chinchurani and Deputy Leader of the Opposition P.K. Kunhalikutty, and Kerala State Planning Board Vice Chairman V. K. Ramachandran will also attend this session.

In conjunction with the conclave, an exhibition showcasing Kerala’s urban development will be held at Marine Drive from September 11th to 15th. Approximately 1,000 delegates are expected to participate in the event, according to Minister Rajesh.

The upcoming conclave signals Kerala’s commitment to strategic and sustainable urban planning to address the growing needs of its cities and towns.

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