Kochi: The Greater Cochin Development Authority’s ring road project could remain a non-starter due to the huge investment involved and stiff objection from environmentalists against the massive reclamation of the backwaters that it involves.
According to GCDA chairman N. Venugopal, though the GCDA has not formally decided to drop the project, it is almost impossible to carry it out as the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority has turned against the proposal. The feasibility study will cost about Rs 4.5 crore which the GCDA can’t afford now.
The GCDA authorities approached the Cochin Port Trust to include the project under its development plans so that it can get environmental clearance easily. “We talked to the Cochin Port Trust authorities on possibilities for reclamation of backwaters and construction of the ring road. Though the CPT has expressed willingness to take up the project as part of their development plans, it is not in a financial position to fund the scheme. To construct the 36-metre wide ring road, more than 600 acres of wetland has to be filled and levelled,” Venugopal said.
The plan was to use 60 per cent of the reclaimed land for setting up public utility projects while the remaining 40 per cent was used for commercial purposes.
The state government gave in principle nod for the second phase development of the Marine Drive in June 2012. That included construction of the ring road, extension of the walkway further up north and ambitious projects such as the Dolphin Park, cable car and laser show.
Though the future of the ring road is uncertain, the GCDA has already started work on the other projects. The ring road starting from Marine Drive will be a major traffic corridor which will pass through coastal areas of Vaduthala, Kadamakkudi, Cheranallor and Varapuzha and crossing NH 17 , the Container road, the NH 47, and Sea Port Airport Road.
