Page 274 - economic review

INFRASTRUCTURE246

Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC)

5.131 The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) is a statutory organization of
quasi-judicial nature was established in the year 2002. During this period the Commission has been
taking all efforts to bring in an effective and efficient regulatory process in the Power Sector of Kerala

5.132 In 2013-14, the Commission held 60 hearings for the disposal of the petitions filed before the
Commission. The Commission has received 48 petitions including 14 petitions related to the ARR
& ERC and Truing up of the KSEB and other licensees. The Commission has issued orders on 52
petitions including pending petitions. During 2014, up to September, the Commission has received
11 petitions. It held 29 hearings and issued orders on 22 petitions. In addition to this four Regulations
were also published during this period.

Section 3
Urban Infrastructure

5.133 Considering the special features of urbanization and the geographical peculiarities of Kerala,
the process of urbanization in the state requires special attention while moulding various urban
infrastructure development programmes. Kerala has undergone highest level of urbanization in its
history during 2001-2011 with a percent increase of 83.82 over the previous decade. The scattered
pattern of urbanization and high density of population of the state together make a big challenge for
the creation of urban infrastructure in cities. Non availability of suitable land and high cost of land
also stand in the way of making modern urban infrastructure facilities. The following factors need
special attention while moulding Urban Infrastructure projects.

(i) Provision for suitable and effective waste management system
(ii) Urban sanitation and need for city sanitation plans
(iii) Establishment and enhancement of public comfort facilities
(iv) Implementation/improvement of sewerage schemes
(v) Implementation/improvement of storm water drainage scheme
(vi) Effective parking policy and modern mechanized parking system
(vii) Beautification of cities and creation of green cities and
(viii) Creation of Non motorized Urban conveyance

5.134 Rapid urbanisation and intense commercial development in cities has necessitated the
creation of new mass transport system in cities and improvement of existing transportation system.
The Government of Kerala has decided to implement Metro Rail system in Kochi and light metros in
Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.

Urban Development Programmes in Infrastructure

5.135 The major Urban Development Programmes implemented at the state level are given below.

1. Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP) (EAP)

5.136 The Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project is an externally aided project funded by the
ADB for addressing the challenges thrown up by urbanisation. KSUDP deals with the improvements,
upgradation and expansion of existing urban infrastructure facilities and basic urban environmental
services in five Municipal Corporations of the state viz; Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur
and Kozhikode.

Kerala State Planning Board