Kochi corporation plans to float tenders for maintenance of turfs owned by them

Kochi: City corporation is planning to float tenders for the maintenance of two turfs owned by the local body. The move follows the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-Hed), which operates the turfs, expressing its inability to run them any longer.City corporation-owned turfs are in Palluruthy and Chullickal. Corporation also plans to hand over the maintenance of P J Antony Ground, a cultural space and playground, to a new firm. "C-Hed informed us that they won't be able to maintain the turfs. That's why we decided to invite tenders to identify a firm to operate and maintain these facilities," mayor VK Minimol said. "As the turfs and P J Antony Ground were constructed spending crores, we need to give utmost care to their maintenance as well," she added. Corporation council meeting held on Wednesday gave approval for inviting tenders for the maintenance of the turfs. The city lacks adequate open spaces and leisure areas. As per norms, at least 5% of the city should be open spaces, but in Kochi, it is around 1%.