15.5.12

Kochi Vision 2030

With Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) planning new projects to elevate Kochi to a global city, the preliminary discussions on its Vision-2030 have begun. The programme is expected to lay the foundation for large scale projects that will redefine the city’s landscape. The discussions were attended by a 16-member team of experts. They pointed out the need for a master plan to develop Kochi as a metropolis. They also stressed the need to put in place a Greater Cochin Metropolitan Authority — an agency with more autonomy to execute development projects in the area comprising Kochi Corporation, neighbouring municipalities and panchayats. 
Renowned town planner Kuldip Singh and former GCDA chairman S Krishna Kumar talked on the need to develop Marine Drive further. Highlighting the sec
ond phase of the Cochin Marine Drive Scheme, they said 60% of the land reclaimed for the purpose should be used for developing public utility projects, and remaining for commercial purposes. While Krishna Kumar said concern for the environment should not hinder development, environment expert Shivashankara Pillai said GCDA should abide by the Coastal Regulation Zone rules and limit construction activities in environmentally sensitive regions. Collector P I Sheik Pareeth said priority should be given to the basic needs of the people. 
Indicating the need to explore the possibilities of developing Kochi’s waterways, Better Kochi Response Group president S Gopakumar said focus should be on developing areas with waterfronts that did not fall under CRZ rules. 
Speaking on Vision-2030, GCDA chairman N Venugopal said the authority was planning to incorporate the existing projects into the new scheme and extend its reach to city suburbs and satellite towns. In the second round of talks, the observations made here will be discussed with panchayats, municipalities and the corporation. The final decision will be arrived at after holding discussions with ministers, MLAs, MPs and government secretaries. 
New projects proposed Cochin Marine Drive Scheme (CMDS) Phase 2 

It’s an extension of phase 1 proposed in (to be) reclaimed 400 hectares of land extending from GIDA land to Varappuzha. 
Entertainment zone at Marine Drive :

CMDS is considered a landmark project of GCDA. The projects envisaged here are oceanarium, dolphinarium, laser shows and a dancing fountain. 
Division Centres :

These centres have been proposed with the intention of arresting dependence on the CBD, and to decrease the level of congestion in the central area. 
Logistic Centre :
As the freight movement through ICTT and LNG Terminal is expected to increase, the need to set up a logistic centre has been pointed out. 
Outer Ring Road :

The proposal is to develop a 64-km long four-lane access-controlled ring road connecting National Highway 47, airport and sea port. The ring road begins from Marine Drive and ends at Kumbalam on NH 47. 
Satellite Township :

GCDA intends to develop satellite townships at Alangad, Puthencruz, Nedumbassery and Kureekkad. These townships are along the proposed ring road. 
JURISDICTION OF GCDA INCLUDES Kochi Corporation 9 municipalities 21 panchayats 

TOTAL AREA: 632 square km 
POPULATION: 16.02 lakh (as per 2001 census)

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