KCZMA meet holds key to ₹1,528-crore canal regeneration project in Kochi
The Hindu
IURWTS initiative envisages revival of six canals in the city
Monday’s meeting of the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) will be decisive in kick-starting work on the ₹1,528-crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project that envisages the regeneration of six once-navigable canals which are now heavily encroached upon and filled with dirt.
The crucial approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change hinges on the Authority expressing satisfaction at clearances that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has got for the project. Soon after, it is expected to recommend the project to the Ministry, the final authority to give the approval. The project has already suffered a delay of over a year, apparently due to pressure from celebrities and other influential persons, sources said.
The canals totalling 35 km that KMRL had shortlisted for developing include Edappally canal (11.23 km), Chilavannoor canal (11.15 km), Thevara-Perandoor canal (9.88 km), Thevara canal (1.41 km), Market canal (0.66 km), and Konthuruthy canal (0.67 km).
Actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, announced that until the 2026 Assembly polls, it would not contest in any elections. This means the party is out of the running for the upcoming Vikravandi bypoll, slated to be held on July 10, and the local body elections.