Welfare measures and ensuring continuity for the projects and initiatives launched by the previous LDF council will take priority in the Varkala municipality, Geetha Hemachandran, who has taken charge as the new chairperson, said.
“There are many works remaining from the previous council’s term. Those will be given priority. The She Lodge next to the Railway Station is an example. The inauguration is over, but it is yet to start functioning. Another example is the newly inaugurated crematorium in the municipality which requires a generator for smooth functioning,” Ms. Hemachadran of the CPI(M), who succeeds K.M. Laji, also of the CPI(M) as the chairperson, said.
The CPI(M)-led LDF had retained its hold on the Varkala municipality, improving its performance from 12 seats in 2020 to 16 this time. The BJP-led NDA’s tally fell from 11 last time to 10 in 2025, while that of the Congress-led UDF dipped from 7 seats to 6. Independents had won two seats.
A tourism hotspot and home to the geologically unique cliff formations, Varkala has always presented complex challenges to the local administration.
With respect to her immediate to-do list, Ms. Hemachandran drew attention to the staff shortage faced by the municipality. Such issues need to be addressed to ensure that the municipality is functioning smoothly, Ms. Hemachandran said.
