Rs 362crore climate push in Trichy Corporation budget | Trichy News

Trichy: Despite tabling a deficit budget of 106.7 crore for 2026–27, the Trichy Corporation has reserved 362 crore for a ‘climate budget’ — a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at building a climate-resilient city and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Floating wetland islands, ambient air quality monitoring systems, and trash barriers to prevent pollution in water bodies are planned as part of a ‘climate action plan’ mooted for the city to reduce carbon emissions.Deficit budget for second year The city budget for 2026–27, presented by taxation and finance committee chairperson T Muthuselvam in the presence of Mayor Mu Anbalagan and commissioner L Madhubalan, pegged estimated revenue at 1,248.3 crore and expenditure at 1,355.1 crore. For the second consecutive year, the corporation has tabled a deficit exceeding 100 crore. “Around 192 crore is awaited through subsidies and outstanding funds from finance commissions. Upon collecting dues, the deficit will be addressed,” Mayor Anbalagan said. Green push under climate action plan The corporation has allocated exclusive funds to implement climate adaptation measures. Floating wetland islands — consisting of recycled floating mats on which saplings can be planted — are planned in 10 tanks at a cost of ₹94 lakh. The initiative aims to improve water quality and support beneficial microbes and plankton. Floating aerators to enhance tank water quality have been proposed at a cost of 4.2 crore. Trash barriers will be installed in tanks and canals along roads to prevent waste dumping. “With the rise in electric vehicle usage, 50 lakh has been sanctioned to expand EV charging infrastructure at public locations,” T Muthuselvam said. Under the climate action plan, 22 lakh has been allocated for energy audits in corporation buildings to promote renewable energy generation. Beautification and education initiatives The civic body will continue investing in green space creation and urban beautification to strengthen the city’s identity. Urban forests using the Miyawaki method will be developed at 10 locations across all five zones at a cost of 15 crore. The budget also proposes the establishment of virtual reality (VR) labs in 10 corporation schools and assures permanent buildings for schools currently operating from rented premises. The education fund has a surplus reserve of 7.6 crore. AIADMK councillors walk out Alleging that several promises in previous budgets were not implemented and that their wards were ignored, AIADMK councillors C Aravindan (Ward 14) and K K Ambikapathi (Ward 65) staged a walkout during the budget session. Responding to the allegations, Mayor Anbalagan said ₹64 crore had been spent in AIADMK councillors’ wards since 2022. “All wards were given equal importance irrespective of political inclinations. The budget prioritised roads, drains, and flood prevention infrastructure and equally emphasised climate change impact. Implementable promises were made,” he said.