At TSPA, we believe in being realistic, and that it is possible to find wins for all parties. Our recent mission to Kerala was a step forward in this commitment, harmonizing urbanization’s economic potential with climate resilience. This vibrant South-Indian state, rich in lush landscapes and cultural heritage, faces familiar challenges: sprawling urbanisation, climate disaster risks, and a remarkable, yet diminishing biosphere.
Last week, Thomas presented the draft spatial strategies for Kerala State and the Pamba River Basin in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
Why plan? Why develop a strategy?
During the discussions, familiar questions surfaced—questions we often encounter in regions with limited planning capacity:
“Why do we need a strategy? Isn’t it just more work, especially since it’s non-binding?”
“How do we convince stakeholders that planning is a enabling development, rather than restricting government overreach?”
We debated policies designed to foster collaboration among towns and government levels for effective collaboration, for example for better water management, we shared strategies and principles to prioritize investments, and proposed spatial concepts to protect Kerala’s natural beauty while nurturing economic growth.
Many thanks for the support and hospitality to the Government of Kerala, Rebuild Kerala Initiative, the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), and our funding partners KfW and the World Bank; as well as to our smashing colleagues at Crisil, GITPAC, and MLA+.
We are thrilled about the progress made and look forward to publishing plans and documents soon. Stay tuned!
