The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will soon come out with a draft of the proposed Marine Drive entertainment zone project.
GCDA Chairman V. Saleem said here on Wednesday that the idea was to provide visitors a unique entertainment experience.
“For instance, there could be a ropeway connecting Marine Drive and Bolgatty Island. The detailed project report on the entertainment zone will have the finer details of the initiative,” he added.
Mr. Saleem said the laser show at Rajendra Maidan had been attracting good crowd after its relaunch. “The entry to the facility is now free. The entertainment zone could begin from Rajendra Maidan and extend all the way to the end of the Marine Drive walkway,” he observed.
The GCDA chief said there was no plan to revive the failed helium balloon services, especially in view of security concerns expressed the Navy. He added that the authority had a plan to set up a multi-level car parking facility near Marine Drive.
Mr. Saleem said the authority planned to provide affordable housing to the common man. “We plan to construct apartments that the common man can afford. Details of the housing project will be chalked out without delay,” he informed.
On ring road projects in the Greater Kochi region, Mr. Saleem pointed out that a long-term project taking into account the increasing traffic congestion in the city had to be implemented. “The repair and renovation work along the Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road will be completed. Work on a hostel facility for women is nearing completion,” he said.
Maintaining that priority would be accorded for implementing the Budget proposals, Mr. Saleem said the tendering process for the proposed housing complex for the residents of P&T Colony at Mundamveli in Thoppumpady will begin next week. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier said the project would be completed in 10 months.
The GCDA chief said the authority would not permit sub-leasing of its shops and buildings given on rent. “We have found that many have sub-leased the shops to others for higher rent in violation of the rent agreement. This is a drain on the State exchequer. Notices will be served on those sub-leasing the authority’s property before taking follow-up action. The GCDA has initiated steps to unifty rent,” he said.
