The Hindu   18.08.2012

GCDA urged to help transform Kochi into a metropolis

The Greater Cochin Development Authority could play a significant role in the transformation of the city to a metropolis.

Summing up the deliberations held during the last two days at Vision 2030, the development seminar organised by the GCDA, S. Krishnakumar, former Union Minister and first chairman of the Authority, said that it was easy for the Authority to mobilise resources for this.

The Authority has the options of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), land bank development or Transfer of Developmental Rights (TDR). The archaic Kerala Building Rules should be revised to suit the modern requirements.

While environmental concerns regarding developmental issues need to be considered, the extremist stands in the name of environment conservation should be discouraged, he said, adding that the public will wholeheartedly support any attempt that is transparent and corruption-free.

Valedictory session

Inaugurating the valedictory session, V.K. Ebrahim Kunju, Minister for Public Works, said that shortage of land was the major stumbling block faced by the Public Works Department in taking up works, especially development of roads.

This could be solved if the GCDA was willing to hand over land, as the PWD often found that most of the cost involved in road development went to land acquisition, he said. The seminar also highlighted the need for the GCDA to gear up for different development-oriented components listed in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, which could be taken up in association with the Corporation.

Preparing in advance could save time in implementation of projects once they are approved, it was observed.

Also, the GCDA and the Corporation should have a clear idea about the components either of the bodies are handling.

Even though nearly four per cent of the national population is in the State, it could not secure even one percent of the plan fund because of the absence in proper planning and preparation.

V.D. Satheesan, MLA, presided over the seminar. Anoop Jacob, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, was present.

Welcoming the guests at the valedictory session, N. Venugopal, chairman of GCDA, said that the State government would be asked to constitute a permanent advisory board for planning and implementation of the project.

The Authority will take up projects like setting up laser show as part of the Marine Drive extension scheme, cable car and permanent exhibition centres at Marine Drive and the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, on priority basis.

Dominic Presentation, MLA; Tony Chammany, Mayor; and V. Gopalakrishna Pillai, Senior Town Planner and coordinator of Vision 2030, were also present.