Trending News

UDF unveils manifesto, pushes for waste management, five lakh houses in five years

KOCHI: The United Democratic Front (UDF) on Monday released its election manifesto, outlining a five-year plan centred on waste management, housing, public health and stronger local governance. The manifesto, unveiled in Kochi, gives sharp focus to the growing threats posed by stray dogs and wild animals. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said the document was drafted with accurate planning and clear timelines, emphasising that every project included in the manifesto is implementable in the given period. Responding to rising stray dog attacks, the UDF promises new laws to tackle the menace, strict enforcement of Animal Birth Control (ABC) measures, and monthly sterilisation drives. Noting that 3.16 lakh people were treated for stray dog bites at government hospitals in 2024, the front stressed that slaughterhouse waste must be managed properly to stop feeding the stray populations. Furthermore, to address the frequent human-wildlife conflicts, the UDF also asserted that every local body will form special squads to handle wild animal intrusions, supported by a compensation fund for affected families and farmers. Waste management forms the manifestos most ambitious segment. The UDF proposes deploying plasma technology used internationally to break down waste into syngas and inert slag -- while promoting source-level management, and involving NGOs and community groups. Value-added products from waste, new waste-to-energy plants and biogas plants in all cities within a year are also promised, along with 100% collection of biodegradable waste from households. Housing receives equal attention through the Home for All scheme, promising to build five lakh houses in five years. It aims to ensure that every eligible family receives a house within five years by integrating central government projects. The manifesto notes that Kerala has 5.91 lakh extremely poor Yellow Card holders, emphasising that improving their lives is a core priority. The front also pushes for strengthening public health measures in light of rising cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis, jaundice, typhoid, cholera and leptospirosis. Local bodies will form rapid-response teams for health emergencies. ASHA workers will receive a Rs 2,000 monthly allowance from local self-government funds. The front also plans to revive the poverty eradication programme Asraya 2.0, launched during the Oommen Chandy era. The document also outlines plans for youth development, elderly welfare, and initiatives for SC/ST communities, women, migrant workers and fisherfolk. Tourism will be expanded through eco-tourism, literary, adventure, Ayurveda and water-based projects, while local markets will be modernised and investment meets organised in a PPP model. Reaffirming the need for stronger decentralisation, Satheesan said local bodies must be given more autonomy, unlimited ward-level development funds and better financial systems to ensure efficient governance. The event was attended by the KPCC state president Sunny Joseph, AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi, UDF convenor Adoor Prakash, IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, and other leaders. Manifesto overview Plasma tech-driven waste management; biogas plants in all cities Strict ABC measures, new laws, and special squads for stray dog & wild animal attacks Home for All schmes aims to construct 5 lakh houses in five years Rapid-response health squads; B2,000 allowance for ASHA workers More autonomy and unlimited devpt funds for local bodies