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Kerala on Friday became the first state in the country to frame a comprehensive Urban Policy, laying out a long-term development roadmap as it moves rapidly towards an urban future. The policy envisions Kerala in 2050 as "a continuous network of climate-smart cities and towns, ensuring scientific planning and good governance." The state cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, approved the draft Urban Policy prepared by the Local Self Government Department, marking the culmination of nearly two years of sustained work, a CMO release said here. The initiative was first announced in the 202324 state budget. In December 2023, the government constituted the Kerala Urban Policy Commission, bringing together national and international experts. The commission submitted the Nava Kerala Urban Policy report to the Chief Minister in March 2025. To hold wider discussions on the report, the government organised a global conference in Kochi in September. Ministers, mayors,