KOCHI:As a first step towards formulating a holistic development model for Fort Kochi, WRI India, in collaboration with Kochi Corporation and Cochin Smart City Ltd held a stakeholders meeting on Wednesday.
K V Thomas MP inaugurated the workshop and said though funds were allotted for development activities in Fort Kochi, the efforts lacked coordination. “Proper planning is needed to foster the growth of Fort Kochi,” Thomas said.
The meeting aimed at preparing a framework for the inclusive development of Fort Kochi which aims to develop strategies for inter-connectivity, walkability and accessible public spaces with the focus on integrating multiple modes of transport.
Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain said the focus on inter-connectivity between various modes of transport should be of utmost priority in Fort Kochi, along with coordination among various stakeholders. Writer N S Madhavan said livelihood needed to be improved along with all developmental projects. He said public participation was key for the success of such initiatives.
Jaya Dhindaw, Strategy Head, WRI India, said WRI India hoped to bridge the gap between various entities, projects and plans in the area and create a holistic framework by identifying strategic projects that can lead to transformational change.
Representatives from the Town and Country Planning Department, Tourism Department, SmartCity Kochi, Motor Vehicles Department, Navy, INTACH, Chamber of Commerce, besides architects, planners, designers and others attended the meeting.