Regime change: GCDA chairman N Venugopal steps down

KOCHI: Greater Cochin Development Authority chairperson N. Venugopal, a UDF nominee, has resigned on the eve of the regime change in the state capital. While announcing his resignation at a press conference here on Tuesday, he said that his resignation would not affect most of the ongoing projects of the Authority, especially renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in September next year.

“The two ongoing projects, renovation of Kaloor market and construction of shopping complex at Kottuvally panchayat, will be completed in two months. Renovation of the JN Stadium won’t be affected as tendering for the works have already been invited and the work order will be given soon. They are expected to complete by October and the ground can be handed over to FIFA by March,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction over implementing series of projects during his four and half year tenure, Mr Venugopal said that he could get support from all sections of society. Two bridges were constructed using innovative Korean technology, developed new roads like Bund Road, Ambedkar Marg and Kottekanal Road.

He also listed laser show at Rajendra Maidan, beautification of Panampilly Nagar, development of eco-friendly walkway at Marine Drive, title deeds for 152 families, cage farming at Mundamveli, organic farming, rainwater harvesting and shifting the GCDA office to solar energy as some of his major achievements.

“Land acquisition for the Bund Road is in the final phase and the road can be extended up to Chambakkara by acquiring 49 cents of land. Despite the protest from various corners and the court intervention, cage farming at Mundamveli and the laser show at Rajendra Maidan could be undertaken,” he added.

Dismissing the allegations of selling the GCDA land at Manapattiparambu and Giri Nagar at throw away price, he said it was the state government which should take the final decision on the land deal.