Ernakulam Approves Over Rs 13.62 Crore for Health and Animal Welfare Projects
The district planning committee has approved health-related projects worth over Rs 13.62 crore. The meeting, which was chaired by the district panchayat president, Manoj Moothedan, focused on granting funds to local self-government institutions, including block panchayats, grama panchayats, and municipalities, to support health infrastructure and initiatives across the district.
The approved projects span several categories and localities, with a notable allocation for block panchayats, grama panchayats, and municipalities. A total of Rs 3.84 crore will be used for health-related projects across 11 block panchayats in the district. In addition, Rs 7.31 crore has been earmarked for 70 grama panchayats, while Rs 2.46 crore will be allocated to projects in nine municipalities. These investments will go towards improving the healthcare facilities, services, and infrastructure in the region. The approval comes at a time when the district is striving to enhance its healthcare services to meet the needs of its growing population. With the rapid development of urban and rural areas, improving access to quality healthcare is crucial. The funds will support a variety of health initiatives, from the establishment of new medical centres to the upgrading of existing ones, making healthcare more accessible for residents in both urban and rural areas.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the discussion of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) project. This initiative, which has seen success in several blocks, aims to expand its reach in the upcoming years. A special focus was placed on expanding the project in 2025-26, with plans to start a new centre in Aluva, in addition to the existing centres in Mulanthuruthy and Vadavucode blocks. The goal is to sterilize 100 dogs from each local self-government institution by 2025-26. This will help in controlling the stray dog population in the district, reducing the risks associated with unchecked animal numbers, and improving public health and safety. While the health and animal welfare initiatives are crucial for the district, they also bring attention to the ongoing infrastructure needs of Ernakulam. The funds allocated for these projects will be used to build and upgrade facilities that are essential for the health and wellbeing of the population. In a region where rapid urbanisation is often accompanied by infrastructure strains, these developments are vital for maintaining a balance between growth and sustainability.
Manoj Moothedan, the chairman of the district planning committee, expressed confidence that these initiatives would bring significant improvements to the quality of life for residents in Ernakulam. “With the approval of these funds, we are taking crucial steps towards improving healthcare access and animal welfare in the district. These efforts will ensure that we are better prepared to meet the needs of our community,” he said. These initiatives are also a step in the right direction for local governance, as the successful implementation of these projects relies on cooperation between local bodies and government authorities. By focusing on the well-being of both residents and animals, Ernakulam’s approach to infrastructure development is an example of a more holistic strategy, integrating healthcare, animal welfare, and sustainable development practices.
