Kochi: The administrative council of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is all set to revive controversial projects worth Rs 10 crore, initiated by the previous council and got entangled in legal disputes and controversies, by making them financially feasible. The council has reversed its earlier plan to drop unviable and controversial projects like the cage fish farm at Mundamveli and multimedia laser show at Rajendra Maidan.
“They cannot be abandoned as a huge investment has been made for them,” GCDA chairman C.N. Mohanan told DC. “The projects will be taken up in a more feasible manner.” He said the laser show, a unique concept, will be entrusted with an agency with expertise and experience in operating it. “A tender will be invited to identify an agency to manage the show,” he said. “City residents will not be denied the opportunity to experience such unique entertainment.”
The previous council had set up the laser show named ‘Mazhavillazhaku’ at a cost of nearly Rs 4 crore. It has been promoted as the first such show to combine fountain dance, water, laser, smoke and video in the country. “The Authority is planning to handover the cage fish farm at Mundamveli to cooperative societies or self help groups which can manage fish farming. The Authority has no plans to spend its own funds to run the farm,” he said.
However, the GCDA is yet to take a decision on the projects announced by the previous council which still remain on paper. For instance, there are several proposals which were either shelved or remained non-starters like the Skywalk at Menaka, helium balloon at Marine Drive, cable car, ring road, tunnel marine aquarium at Marine Drive, indoor stadium and sports complex at Mundamveli, shopping-cum-residential apartment complex at Kadavanthra and a multi-level parking facility at Marine Drive.
