British Minister Pickles visits Aluva town

British Cabinet Minister Eric Pickles today visited Aluva near here and discussed successful pilot models that can be deployed in the town.
Speaking at a meeting of Aluva Municipality, Federal Bank and UK experts on development of the town hosted by the private sector bank, Pickles shared the UK experience of reducing the risk and impact of climate change in cities and towns, according to a release by Federal Bank.
The meeting suggested measures for the evolution of a master-plan for an efficient, balanced and eco-friendly expansion of Aluva town, it said.
Federal Bank Managing Director Shyam Srinivasan and Aluva Municipal Chairman M T Jacob and officials of Atkins UK, a reputed infrastructural consulting firm, were also present in the meeting.

The Atkins group showcased successful pilot models from Madurai and Mysore for deployment in Aluva.
Srinivasan shared the bank's vision to build prosperous communities through effective town and city planning and explained its focus on health and education.

Queen's University in Belfast and Atkins UK are in discussion with Aluva municipality for low-carbon master planning and integrated water management as part of UK-funded projects.
Plans evolved through this partnership can be implemented in other cities and towns in Kerala, the release said.
Aluva Municipality plans to remove bottlenecks and bringing about balanced growth of the town with institutional and corporate support, it said, addint that the current activities include solar energy and waste management.