The Kochi Corporation is set to frame a by-law governing its artificial turfs and open playgrounds, under which their upkeep and regular maintenance will be entrusted to third parties through a tender process.
The move comes in the wake of the Corporation’s alleged failure to ensure proper maintenance of existing turfs under its ownership and to generate a steady stream of revenue for its upkeep. At present, the Corporation owns two turfs in West Kochi — one each at Palluruthy and Fort Kochi.
These facilities were being managed by the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) in association with the respective councillors. However, C-HED recently wrote to the Corporation seeking to be relieved of the responsibility, pointing out that the task did not really align with its original mandate. The matter subsequently figured in the agenda of the last council meeting held before the notification of the Assembly election.
“We had already initiated steps to take over the responsibility of turfs from C-HED, and even a tender notice was prepared when the election was notified. We will shortly proceed with the tender process to manage the turfs, complete with their maintenance,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.
