Kerala - Kochi   

Row over construction of stage in Panampilly Nagar colony

Anand Haridas

GCDA officials visit site, approve new design

WALL OF CONTENTION: The work on a permanent building at one of the remaining open spaces in Panampilly Nagar has been stopped following public protest. - Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: Protests from some of the residents, who are bent on maintaining the original design of the Panampilly Nagar, have stopped the effort to construct a building inside one of the main open areas in the planned housing colony.

While the office-bearers of the Panampilly Nagar Welfare Association claim that a permanent venue to host their meetings has been a long standing demand, those against the work point out that the ongoing construction does not match this requirement.

"Had the effort been to erect an open stage, why is a closed structure being built? This looks more like a solid construction, which is not allowable within areas marked out as open spaces in the original design," said K. Aravindakshan, former principal of Maharaja's College, who is residing near the park where the building is coming up.

He, along with some others, is now planning to move the High Court to stop the construction. They point out that there had been many attempts like this earlier to convert the open spaces to constructions.

"We spoilt one such effort by converting another open space to a playing ground for children overnight. The then chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) was planning to construct a line of shops there," said Prof. Aravindakshan.

Other examples pointed out by those like him are the construction of Rotary Balabhavan, which began as a community hall and went on to become a private building, and the Elder's Park, where constructions have come up now.

However, the office-bearers say that the project has been taken up as a solution to a long-standing demand. "There is provision in the zoning scheme itself to make constructions in areas coming up to 5 per cent of the open space for park-related activities. This construction, however, comes up to just about 2 per cent," said K. Joseph Alexander, of the Association.

Though the original design was for an open stage, it was later changed to a closed one taking into consideration the security issues, he said.

"There is a high chance of anti-social elements using the structure, if it is left open. This design was approved in the general body of the Association. But we will not proceed with the project, if there is any objection from local bodies," said Mr. Alexander.

It has also been pointed out that every time temporary structure is constructed for events, the lawn gets damaged. The concept of a permanent stage for events was mooted thus.

Officials from GCDA have visited the site, following objections, and approved a revised design.

"They have already started the construction work. It has now been learnt that the GCDA has approved the existing design. Otherwise, they will have to knock down the already completed segment of the structure," said Vizzy George, a lawyer residing in the area.

For the time being, the half-erected building is there to stay at the park as an eyesore, while the conflicting interests inside the Panampilly Nagar try to sort the issue out.

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