Kochi master plan yet to receive government approval

KOCHI: After a long wait the city’s metro rail project received central sanction on Tuesday. But the draft master plan, prepared by the department of town and country planning, for the scientific development of Kochi and its neighbourhood is yet to receive the state government’s approval. The master plan, which aims to develop Kochi and its surrounding towns as a global city through a scientifically planned development, was submitted to the government for approval by mid-2010, said sources.
However, later the government constituted a joint town planning committee (JTPC) by an order to make their suggestions since master plan covered 16 local bodies in the district. After incorporating the suggestions made by JTPC, the master plan was submitted to the government again for its approval more than a year ago. Sources said then there was no progress on the same.
The master plan is not likely to get thumbs up from the government in the immediate future as the JTPC has suggested the government to use paddy and wetland available for the urban use. However, the government is required to make amendments to the act to enable the use of lands under the category for non-agricultural use. But officials with the department of urban and country planning said the government is yet to take a decision in this regard.
Officials said the potential growth rate is higher outside the Kochi Corporation area and the department drafted the plan after taking into consideration this matter.
“It has given importance for the development of peripheral areas as the core city does not have much potential for development. Also we aim to contain the floating of population from other parts to the city,” said an official. It has also given emphasis for mass transport and preservation of places with heritage values.
The master plan prepared covers Kochi Corporation, municipalities including Tripunithura, Kalamassery, Maradu, Thrikkakara, Eloor and Aluva and panchayats such as Vadavukode-Puthencruz, Cheranalloor, Varappuzha, Narakkal, Mulavukadu,Chellanam, Kumbalam, Kumbalangi, Elamkunnapuzha and Kadamakudy.