KOCHI: In line with the concept of inclusive development, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) plans to provide better facilities to women and transgender population.
The annual budget proposes a few projects for women and transgenders including a hostel and a short stay home.
The existing working women’s hostel at Elamkulam village will be demolished to construct a new one on the 64-cent holding.
A shopping complex and a hostel will be constructed on the 35-cent holding taken back from Lions Club. A theatre has also been proposed there. The allocation for the project is ₹10.5 crore, said GCDA Chairman C.N. Mohanan.
The agency hopes to cooperate with the Kochi Corporation and Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for renovating the Thevara-Perandoor canal. In the first phase, the stretch of the canal between Thevara and the GCDA office at Kadavanthra will be cleaned up.
Unauthorised outlets that drain polluted water into the canal will be closed down as part of de-silting the canal. Cycle tracks and walkways will also be constructed along the banks of the canal. Besides, green strips will be created to beautify the area.
The annual budget also envisions the beautification of Marine Drive. The agency hopes to tap government funds for the project, which includes construction of gateway and compound wall. Besides, iron grills and street furniture will be set up.
The agency also plans to demolish all unauthorised boat jettys at Marine Drive and construct its own boat jetty.
A land bank will be created for the proposed projects. A township near Mulamthuruthy has also been proposed, and the agency will spend ₹10 crore on the project.
The GCDA also hopes to obtain ₹1 crore from the MLA fund for beautification of Kasthurba Nagar, Mr. Mohanan said.
The renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium is also on the annual agenda of the agency.
