Thiruvananthapuram, August 11 — Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday unveiled Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s first-ever climate budget, aiming to make the capital city more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint. This marks the first time in the state that a local body has presented a budget focused entirely on tackling climate change.
Speaking at the launch at Putharikandam Maithanam, the Chief Minister said the initiative could serve as a model for other local bodies. He stressed that while climate disasters are increasing worldwide, global action remains weak, and local solutions are now crucial. “We aim to make Kerala carbon neutral by 2050, and Thiruvananthapuram’s steps are an important part of this mission,” he said.
Mayor Arya Rajendran highlighted the city’s ongoing green efforts 115 electric buses for KSRTC, electric auto-rickshaws for low-income families, and a full shift to LED streetlights to cut emissions. The Corporation is also deploying 100 electric waste collection vehicles and has installed solar panels on government buildings with a combined capacity of 17,000 kW. Households installing solar panels or buying electric two-wheelers will get a ₹10,000 subsidy.
In a symbolic green gesture, over 7,000 school students prepared seed balls at the event, which will be spread across open spaces in the city to promote urban greenery.
Officials say these measures will not only curb pollution and conserve energy but also set a precedent for cities across India to act locally against climate change while waiting for stronger global action.