Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) plans to launch land development activities on the islands of Thannonnithuruthu, Pullekkad and Koramkotta, to raise funds for more development activities on islands surrounding Ernakulam.
Work on Thannonnithuruthu is expected to start soon. Pullekkad and Koramkotta will follow, with work on the latter involving building of a bridge from Vaduthala. The new bridge will reduce the distance to Kodungalloor on the National Highway substantially, said District Collector P.I. Sheikh Pareed.
Ferry service
The land development activities are among several projects being implemented by GIDA in Elamkunnappuzha, Njarakkal, Nayarambalam, Edavanakkad, Kuzhuppilly, Pallippuram, Mulavukadu and Kadamakkudy panchayats and in Fort Vypeen and Thannonnithuruthu, which are part of the Corporation of Cochin.
GIDA has identified 20 routes for its proposed ferry service, which will be operated out of the boat terminal, jetty and office complex, expected to be completed in eight months to one year.
The authority has placed an order for the purchase of a boat for the ferry service, said the Collector. The vessel will initially be launched on the Vypeen-Fort Kochi-Ernakulam route. The launch of other ferry services will depend on the success of the pilot service, GIDA sources said.
Work on the 25-km beach road between Vypeen and Cherai will be taken up in three reaches at a total estimated cost of Rs.23 crore.
Meanwhile, GIDA is finishing the paper work to hand over work on the 4.5-km Moolampally-Chathiath road to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The project is estimated to cost Rs.97 crore and involves building a minor and three major bridges. Work is expected to begin by August end.
Work on the 7-m wide, 5.5-km Mulavukad road is expected to begin soon. Shifting of cables and water and electricity supply lines has been completed.
The three major water supply projects that will meet the drinking water requirements of the eight islands for the next 30 years are in advanced stage of completion. GIDA has also completed nearly half the work on strengthening of bridges between Vypeen and Munambam at a cost of Rs.30 crore.
The authority has finalised a project to build an outer bund around Vallarpadam Island to prevent erosion and periodic inundation. The 8-km outer bund and an inner road are part of the project that is estimated to cost Rs.17 crore. The work has been approved and handed over to the Department of Irrigation for completion.
The draft of a proposal for beautification of the Goshree-Chathiath road is ready. The project is likely to be taken up soon.
