In a bid to conserve the historic monuments in the city, the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) of the Kochi Corporation is coming up with a new project to prepare a heritage map.

The city is one among the 35 heritage cities notified by the Unesco. Sadly, there has not been much effort from the authorities to protect the remains of the city’s glorious past. Right from the Chinese nets dotting the backwaters to Broadway, these relics need immediate attention and there have been repeated requests from all quarters for a comprehensive package to preserve these heritage icons.

The new heritage map project proposes to undertake a detailed survey, listing and documentation of the heritage of Kochi including natural resources and features, cultural environment and built heritage, cultural traditions and institutions.

Deputy Mayor C K Manisankar said that the Corporation had already sanctioned the project. They expect CHED to complete the first phase of the project within six months.

“The prime objective of the project is to identify and prepare a detailed list of buildings, structures and precincts of historic, architectural, aesthetic, cultural and environmental significance.

The map will help in the conservation of these monuments,” Manisankar said.

On-site listing and documentation of outstanding heritage spots in the city and inviting or organising public hearings for suggestions, additions, observations and objections are part of the work.

Detailing the technical side of the project, Rajan Chedambath, director, C-HED, said that the heritage map would follow certain categories and would be updated from time to time as per the new requirements.

“The heritage map will be categorised on the basis of heritage areas and settlements, structures and complexes, institutions, art and craft and more,” Rajan said.

The first phase will be completed at an estimate cost of Rs 20 lakh, he said. The process also includes the collection and documentation of all historical maps related to Kochi from all available sources including foreign museums, archives and institutions.

The list of monuments already identified by C-HED include the Jewish Synagogue, Thoppumpady bridge, Fort Kochi Corporation zonal office, Jew Street and the backwaters of the city.

C-HED will directly carry out the survey work and the preparation of the heritage map.

“The first phase of the work will be completed within six months,” Rajan said.