The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has decided to build three satellite townships on the outskirts of Kochi in order to protect the city from floods and rising sea levels. The city centre would be preserved as Parent City and expanded as the first Sponge City in Kerala, according to the urban growth idea put up by the GCDA during the National Urban Conclave.
The Sponge City concept, which has been successfully applied in nations like China, primarily attempts to address concerns like water scarcity, waterlogging, water pollution, and ecological degradation, according to senior town planner for GCDA M M Jisha. A specially designed drainage system will be built in the Parent City (CBD area), in addition to other environmentally friendly projects.
The proposed economic city project would establish satellite towns in peri-urban areas where the principal operations, including human populations, would be relocated from flood-prone locations.
A significant focus would be improving the road connectivity between the parent towns and the satellite towns. The economic metropolis would be built around the proposed 100-kilometer ring road that will run through Puthencruz, Mulanthuruthi, and Poothotta to connect Angamali with Ezhupunna in Alappuzha. Each township will have commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, tourist attractions, information technology companies, sports facilities, service-oriented businesses, and residential sections.
In October 2022, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) unveiled an ambitious urban expansion plan to develop three satellite cities on the outskirts of Kochi, Kerala. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels and urban congestion by decentralizing development and enhancing regional connectivity.
Urban Expansion and Sponge City Concept
The central business district (CBD) of Kochi, referred to as the “Parent City,” is slated for transformation into Kerala’s first “Sponge City.” This innovative urban planning approach focuses on enhancing the city’s ability to manage water resources, mitigate flooding, and adapt to climate change. By integrating green spaces, parks, and specialized drainage systems, the Sponge City model aims to address issues such as water scarcity, waterlogging, pollution, and ecological degradation.
Development of Satellite Cities
To alleviate pressure on the Parent City and promote balanced regional growth, GCDA plans to establish three satellite cities in the eastern and northeastern peripheries of Kochi. These new urban centers are envisioned to accommodate residential, commercial, and industrial activities, thereby reducing congestion in the central areas. The proposed locations for these satellite cities include Keezhmadu, Puthencruz, and Mulanthuruthy.
Kochi Economic City Project
The development of these satellite cities is a key component of the broader Kochi Economic City project, a strategic initiative announced in the 2019-2020 Kerala state budget. GCDA has been tasked with implementing this project, which aims to create integrated townships connecting various municipalities and panchayats within its jurisdiction. The project is planned along a proposed 100-kilometer ring road that will link Angamaly to Ezhupunna, passing through Puthencruz, Mulanthuruthy, and Poothotta. This ring road is expected to enhance connectivity between the Parent City and the satellite towns, facilitating seamless movement of people and goods.
Strategic Objectives and Future Outlook
By relocating major activities and settlements to these peri-urban areas, the GCDA aims to mitigate the risks associated with flooding and sea-level rise in the low-lying regions of Kochi. This strategic shift is intended to promote sustainable urban development, reduce environmental vulnerabilities, and improve the quality of life for residents. The successful implementation of the satellite cities and the Sponge City concept is poised to position Kochi as a model for climate-resilient urban planning in India.
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