Open spaces disappearing, Kerala HC stays construction on 'Pioneer Ground'
Kochi: The Kochi Corporation’s proposal to construct a community hall at Pioneer Ground in Moolamkuzhy division in Fort Kochi, ignoring widespread protest, has been stayed by the High Court. The civic body was moving ahead with its plan to convert open spaces and grounds in west Kochi areas for building construction, ignoring public protest. The High Court has stayed all construction activities in the Pioneer ground until the petition submitted against it is disposed. The court will hear the Corporation counsel in the case on October 22.
There have been widespread complaints against converting the ground, which is the only open area available for local residents for recreation.
The Corporation which had earlier set up a badminton court and other recreation facilities for children like swing and other toys has removed them and laid foundation stone for construction of the building recently. The civic body has already constructed an anganwadi and a mini hall occupying a major portion of the ground.
The Corporation which earlier spent '15 lakh for development of the ground to a park is now destroying the area for monetary gains. The move to construct concrete buildings in the park is in violation of the Kerala Parks, Play fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulations) Act 1969, the petitioners submitted before the court.
Earlier, the local residents had submitted complaints to Mayor and local self government minister seeking revoking of the proposal.
“There is another community hall just near the Pioneers ground and why the Corporation is keen on building another hall in the park. It is sheer waste of public money. No kind of construction has to be permitted in open grounds since the city is already congested,” said K.J Sohan, former Mayor.
He is planning to be a party in the case pending with the High Court. The local residents will also submit a petition to the district collector saying that it is a waste of public money and violation of norms.
