KOCHI: The Sea Hawk fighter aircraft at Changampuzha Park in Edappally is likely to get a facelift soon. The plane had been left unattended for a long time and finally, Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has taken the responsibility of its maintenance.
The Sea Hawk fighter aircraft, which saw service on board INS Vikrant, was presented to the people of Kochi in 1999.
Earlier, the park authorities had contacted the Navy to paint the showpiece and to maintain it. However, the Navy declined the request. The tussle between the Navy and the park authorities led to the neglect of the fighter aircraft.
Park authorities said that the Navy had given a facelift to the Sea Hawk around three years ago. However, it was GCDA which came up with a proposal of maintaining the aircraft.
“The plane is historically important. The aircraft was presented to the people of Kochi and we have to maintain it properly,” N Venugopal, chairman, GCDA. He said that the authority is even ready to move the aircraft to GCDA office compound. “We want its proper maintenance. GCDA would protect it if there is no one to take care of it,” he said.
A meeting of the Navy, Changampuzha park office-bearers and GCDA had been scheduled for Monday, where a concrete decision would be taken, said Venugopal.