Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala’s villages rapidly adopt urban characteristics, the state is preparing to redefine its development strategies to match this transformation. In this context, discussions are set to intensify around the recommendations submitted by the Urban Policy Commission. These will be taken up during the Kerala Urban Conclave, scheduled to be held in Kochi on September 12 and 13.

The conclave will hear directly from chairpersons and secretaries of local self-government institutions across the state. Their inputs will help shape the roadmap for Kerala’s urban future, which is being planned with a vision extending to 2050. Kerala, notably, is the first state in the country to constitute an Urban Policy Commission, and it has projected that by 2050, over 80% of its villages will have transformed into urban areas. The Commission has already submitted its recommendations to the Department of Local Self-Government to guide this transition.

The Urban Conclave will focus on how these recommendations can be implemented. Experts from foreign countries, mayors, and ministers from other Indian states will participate, both in person and online. The event will also deliberate on whether such a platform should continue as a regular feature in the state's policy calendar.

Among the major proposals submitted by the Commission are the creation of specialised departments within municipalities, with experts appointed as directors to manage planning and financial matters. Additionally, Metropolitan Planning Committees have been recommended for cities such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur, and Kannur to coordinate regional urban development. Steps are already underway to establish such a committee in the Kochi Municipal Corporation.