The BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has signed a twin-city memorandum of understanding with Ahmedabad, turning to the Gujarat city as a development partner for Kerala's capital, IANS reported on Thursday.

Source: Fresh Headline (IANS)

The two civic bodies will cooperate across waste management, road development, technology transfer, traffic management, e-governance and administrative practices. The framework draws on Ahmedabad's experience in raising funds for major infrastructure projects, including through municipal bonds, and in waste-to-energy plants and riverfront-style water body rejuvenation.

Source: Nation Press

Five water bodies first

The immediate operational priority will be the cleaning and rejuvenation of five major water bodies in the capital: the Parvathy Puthanar, the Karamana River, the Amayizhanchan Thodu, the Killiyar and Akkulam Lake.

Source: Nation Press

The partnership follows a study visit to Ahmedabad led by Mayor V. V. Rajesh, during which the delegation examined the Sabarmati riverfront project and the city's waste management infrastructure. An eight-member delegation led by the Mayor also held discussions with Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot and senior officials before the MoU was signed.

Source: Fresh Headline (IANS)

Approvals and context

The Kerala state government has given its approval for the cooperation framework, and the Corporation is now seeking the Council's formal nod to proceed.

Source: Nation Press

The move is among the most consequential by the Corporation since the Bharatiya Janata Party wrested control of the civic body from the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front after nearly 45 years, with V. V. Rajesh sworn in as Mayor in December last year.

Source: Nation Press