Greater Cochin Development Authority drops its dream projects

KOCHI: With only a couple of months left for the term of the Greater Cochin Development Authority chairman N. Venugopal to end, the authority has to drop some of its dream projects because of several reasons including non-feasibility and failure to get the state government’s approval.

Some of the projects that have to be shelved are the underground convention centre at Kaloor, the ring road starting from Marine Drive, the tunnel marine aquarium at Marine Drive, the one-kilometre circular mini train at KINCO jetty Marine Drive, the indoor stadium and sports complex at Mundamveli, the skywalk in Menaka, the shopping cum residential apartment complex at Kadavanthra, the dolphin park and cable car service, the shopping mall at Manapattiparambu on BOT basis and the multi-level parking facility at Marine Drive.

“Some of the projects cannot be carried out as the state government has rejected the proposals. While approval is being given to projects promoted by individuals and private firms, the government is reluctant to approve GCDA proposals,” said N. Venugopal.

Though the government asked the GCDA to redraft the proposal for the underground exhibition centre at Kaloor at a cost of Rs.80 crore, the project failed to get approval. Also, the proposal for a sports complex at Mundamveli at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore with facilities like shopping mall, park, swimming pool, walkway, volleyball and basketball courts, and gymnasium was nixed.

Meanwhile, N. Venugopal could carry out some controversial projects like the laser show at Rajendra Maidan and eco farm at Mundamveli braving strong protests.