A high-powered delegation from the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), headed by Deputy Mayor A Shailaja Reddy, visited the Kochi Municipal Corporation on Saturday to examine innovative ecological initiatives and civic infrastructure models.
The visit was part of a broader study tour across southern India aimed at fostering collaboration on sustainable city development.Welcomed by Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar and senior municipal officials, the Vijayawada team engaged in detailed deliberations around key operational frameworks driving Kochi’s transformation into a resilient, low-carbon urban space. Mayor Anil Kumar briefed the delegation on the city’s administrative approach towards inclusive governance, outlining how policy decisions are democratically rooted and aimed at achieving long-term sustainability.Central to the discussions were Kochi’s progressive steps in curbing urban pollution, especially through stringent plastic usage restrictions and decentralised sanitation systems. Corporation Secretary Shibu elaborated on these initiatives, detailing the mechanisms that have enabled the city to move toward a circular economy model with minimal environmental impact.
The focal point of the visit, however, was Subhash Bose Park — Kochi’s largest urban park, spanning over 11.5 acres in the heart of the city. Originally a neglected waterfront space, the park has been transformed into an eco-conscious recreational hub using sustainable landscaping, rainwater harvesting systems, and native plant species to promote biodiversity. According to Secretary Shibu, the park’s development strategy integrates environmental responsibility with social accessibility, reflecting a broader commitment to equitable urban planning.The VMC delegates conducted an on-ground inspection of the park, assessing its green infrastructure, public amenities, and waste management systems. “What we witnessed here is a scalable and inclusive model that blends nature with modern civic needs,” noted tour coordinator and floor leader Venkata Satyanarayana. He also presented a video highlighting Vijayawada’s own urban development efforts, including road infrastructure upgrades and digital governance initiatives.
This dialogue between municipal bodies marks a step forward in building a pan-Indian alliance of cities committed to climate-conscious growth. Both cities underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and adapting region-specific solutions to tackle common urban challenges — from mounting waste and declining green cover to civic equity and water conservation.The exchange also highlighted the growing need for urban centres in India to embrace eco-sensitive planning, especially as they contend with rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and climate volatility. By focusing on liveable urban environments that are both gender-neutral and accessible, such collaborations hold promise for replicable models nationwide.As Indian cities navigate the complexities of sustainable development, the Vijayawada-Kochi interaction may well serve as a blueprint for civic bodies to co-create greener, smarter, and more inclusive futures.
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