Even as former Judge of the Supreme Court V.R. Krishna Iyer extended his support to what he regarded as “brilliant beautification” proposed by the Greater Cochin Development Authority, the Public Space Protection Forum went ahead with its protest gathering in front of Rajendra Maidan on Wednesday evening.
The forum has been spearheading a campaign against the GCDA’s ongoing project to set up a multimedia laser show centre at Rajendra Maidan.
Inaugurating the meeting, environmentalist M.K. Prasad emphasised the importance of maintaining Rajendra Maidan in its original form citing its historical significance. He said open spaces in the city were being increasingly exploited for commercial purposes and that it was the responsibility of citizens to stop the trend.
Former Mayor Mathew Paily who administered the oath for the conservation of open spaces recollected that Rajendra Maidan topped a list drawn up by the corporation for the conservation of public spaces in the city. Social activist K. Aravindakshan presided and P. Rajeeve, MP, spoke at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Iyer, who had been a vocal supporter for the conservation of the Rajendra Maidan, wrote a letter to GCDA chairman N. Venugopal based on what he regarded as a “brief and purposeful” discussion. “The brilliant beautification you propose will do no harm to the environment but will make Kochi truly picturesque. I have no objection to the aesthetic work you propose. I will be with you in making Kochi truly lovely,” Mr. Iyer said in the statement without directly mentioning Rajendra Maidan.
Ashok. M. Cheriyan, the secretary of Public Space Protection Forum, said he was unaware of the statement. Mr. Iyer didn’t attend the meeting owing to personal reasons, he said.
