Atkins UK and INTBAU aid urban plan to revitalise Aluva's periyar river, transport and waste management systems

UK supports Kerala CM Oommen Chandy in his 'future proofing Aluva' project

Sunday, 6 September 2015 - 7:40am Archana Venkatraman

The UK government and British organizations Atkins UK are supporting Kerala Chief Minister OOmmen Chandy in his set of urban improvement projects under the scheme "Framework to Future Proof Aluva". The project aims to prepare Kerala municipality Aluva to overcome the effects of climate change and improve the quality of life for local residents.

Periyar River - billed as Kerala's lifeline will be cleaned and revitalised under the Framework to Future Proof Aluva urban project

The UK-aided Urban plan - Framework to Future Proof Aluva – is also supported by the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU). INTBAU is an international educational charity which works under the Patronage of HRH Prince of Wales, Prince Charles to promote traditional architecture, urbanism and building arts.

The ambitious project is a result of Prince Charles' visit to India, particularly Kerala and his discussions with CM Oommen Chandy back in 2013.

The future proofing Aluva plan will kick off with investment and construction projects that will make the urban systems more efficient and responsive to residents' needs as well as become future-ready to face the threats from climate change. Among the priorities include cleaning up of the Periyar river, implementing an efficient waste management system and building better public toilet facilities in Aluva. It will also include the use of low-emission and environment-friendly transport facilities and implementation of 'green corridors'.

The urban project was unveiled in August by CM Chandy under the infrastructure priorities on sanitation, waste and sewage systems' management with support and investment from the private sector. According to Atkins UK, the British government and organizations will help Aluva realise its ambitious projects of Periyar river cleansing, waste management, and in building greener transport infrastructure in the municipality.

Framework to Future Proof Aluva project will also be aided by local organisations including Kozhikode's Eram Group, Kochi's Nest Group and the Federal Bank.