GCDA to follow in the footsteps of Jaipur

KOCHI: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will follow the   example of the Jaipur Development Authority in sourcing funds for various  development programmes, GCDA chairman-designate N Venugopal has said. “The Jaipur Development Authority is getting funds from the Jawaharlal Nehru Renewal Urban Mission. We will see whether we can also get such Centre-sponsored funds apart from what we get from the state government,” he  told City Express. “The GCDA will focus on sustainable development and also frame projects that  would benefit the entire Kochiites. The GCDA has always looked at improving the basic facilities of the city,” Venugopal said. He added that the projects and plans would be devised in consultation with  various local body representatives, MLAs and others. Noting that the GCDA  budget would be presented by next month, he said a clear picture on the  various schemes will be out only by then. “Kochiites can hope for something  new in the budget. As of now, I do not know about the liabilities and assets of GCDA. Everything will be clear once the details are known,” he said. Adding that the GCDA would come up with a one-year programme, Venugopal  said the focus would be on infrastructure development. “There is a lot of land in the city which has not been utilised. Shopping complexes and convention centres can be built in these lands which would  help in the development of the city.  Besides, there are certain roads and overbridges that can be taken over by the GCDA,” he said.    When asked if there would be any conflict with the Kochi Corporation when   devising projects, he said there was no scope for confusion. “The GCDA can   work out independent projects and take them up in consultation with the  Corporation,” he said.   Venugopal said the swearing-in ceremony would take place on February 23. “KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala has made an announcement in Thiruvanathapuram. But, I am yet to receive any official communication. The intimation is expected in a day or two,” he said.On his continuing as the Kochi Corporation councillor, he said it would be appropriate to continue with only one post.