The state government raised the cap on the amount that could be sanctioned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) for taking up large-scale urban development projects. Based on a request put forth by the GCDA chairman N. Venugopal, the government has given them the freedom to allocate up to Rs 1 crore for mega projects without its prior approval.
GCDA chairman N. Venugopal told Deccan Chronicle that preparatory work for all the major projects proposed by the Authority like Dolphin Park, cable car, underground exhibition centre, marine drive second phase expansion, is progressing and would be initiated soon.
“Within 15 days, the Singapore Dolphin Park authorities will submit their project report for the Dolphin Park proposed at Marine Drive. For the underground exhibition centre project, the national tender inviting designs will terminate on November 24 after which the final design will be decided by a panel of experts. The new extended walkway at Marine Drive will be opened for the public by December,” said Venugopal.
Earlier, experts from Singapore Dolphin Park visited the sites
Identified for the park, tested the water samples and confirmed that the project was feasible for Kochi.
Meanwhile, the authority is also planning to set up housing facilities for migrant labourers, a sizable population in the urban agglomeration. Labour camps equipped with all facilities will be set up outside the city, said the chairman.