Fort Kochi master plan projects opposed

KOCHI: Projects initiated as part of the Tourism Master Plan in Fort Kochi are violating heritage norms, it has been alleged. Some of the road and footpath development projects being carried out by the Tourism Department are not in compliance with heritage conservation norms, according to civic experts. There are allegations that Princess Street (East of Nehru Park) is being re-laid with concrete tiles without the consent of the City Corporation which owns the road. 

"The footpath along Princess Street was beautified years ago using granite and the area is a popular hangout of tourists.  “When the road is levelled with the footpath using concrete tiles, it will destroy the idea of a pedestrian-friendly walkway. The footpath will become a parking space for two wheelers. Road development is being done in a very unscientific manner in a heritage zone," said K.J Sohan, former Mayor and member of the Fort Kochi Heritage Conservation Society.

The development works are part of the Rs.4.75 crore Tourism master plan projects. "The Tourism Department has entrusted the works with Forest Industries Travancore Limited which has no expertise in road development," added K.J Sohan. However, Corporation Town Planning committee chairperson Shainy Mathew told DC that the Tourism department started works in consultation with the civic authorities.  "I have inspected the site along with Corporation engineers before the works  were started. They assured me that the road works would not affect the beautified footpath," she said.