Kochi Corporation seeks control of Parade, Santa Cruz grounds from Revenue dept.

As part of a broader effort to make more playgrounds accessible to the youth, the Kochi Corporation Council has passed a resolution, which has since been forwarded to the State government, seeking control over the historic Parade and Santa Cruz grounds in Fort Kochi, currently managed by the Revenue department.

The resolution follows widespread complaints about the pitiable state of the grounds, iconic Fort Kochi landmarks with a rich history, which have allegedly suffered years of neglect. The Parade Ground last underwent major maintenance in 2017, when it was given a facelift with fresh grass after being chosen as a practice turf for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup, a few matches of which were hosted in Kochi. The Santa Cruz Ground, too, remains far from ideal.

“We can maintain these grounds either through corporate social responsibility funding or by seeking assistance under the Centre’s new Urban Challenge Fund (UCF). Our aim is to make these spaces accessible to the youth for routine play and tournaments, while restricting the Veli ground to competitions. At present, these grounds receive only minimal upkeep,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.

Even before the Corporation passed the resolution, Fort Kochi division councillor Shiny Mathew had written to the Sports Minister, seeking proper maintenance of the grounds and a ban on vehicle entry as they are often misused as parking lots. “While the income from renting out the grounds goes to the Revenue department, the Corporation is left to handle whatever maintenance like cutting grass. Despite repeatedly raising the issue with Revenue officials, no action has been taken,” she said.

Former LDF councillor Benedict Fernandez, closely associated with the Gala de Fort Kochi club that organises New Year celebrations, was scathing in his criticism of the present UDF council, dismissing the resolution as eyewash to cover up dereliction of duty. “It is the Corporation’s responsibility to maintain public grounds regardless of who controls them. By that logic, why does the Corporation clean drains along PWD roads? The Corporation should recover its long‑pending dues, including from major corporate firms, and use those funds to maintain public grounds,” he said.

Rufus D’Souza, a veteran football and hockey coach who has conducted camps at Parade Ground for 56 years without fail, observed that a mere technical shift in control from the Revenue department to the Corporation would be of little consequence. “It should instead be entrusted to an association of veteran players,” he said.