Latest news with #KChandranPillai
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Setback for Kerala Blasters, AIFF refuses club Premier 1 licence
KOCHI: There's bad news for Kerala Blasters fans. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has refused the Premier 1 club licence to the club this year, hindering their chances of participation in the 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) unless the management files an appeal or pays a penalty. The exact reason behind the AIFF's refusal is not officially known. The federation said it was because of 'failures across criteria A or B' of licensing, while Blasters in a post on X (formerly Twitter) cited 'compliance requirements beyond the club's control'. However, sources said issues with the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor — the Blasters' homeground since the team's inception in 2014 — have been a major contributing factor. Blasters have been denied licence earlier too. They then paid penalties to secure a spot in subsequent ISL editions. The operation of a number of restaurants and eateries in the stadium complex might be one of the said issues, said a source. Earlier this year, a steamer blast in one of the restaurants in the stadium complex had left one person dead. 'The issue of shops storing explosive LPG cylinders was raised by the GCDA earlier. Plans to set up CNG supply to the shops is being implemented with the Indian Oil Corporation,' said K Chandran Pillai, the chairperson of Greater Cochin Development Authority, which owns the stadium. On match days, hundreds of vehicles parked around the stadium was also pointed out as a hindrance for evacuation during emergencies. The practice, however, continues. The club had earlier accused the GCDA of breaching NOC norms by hosting a mega dance programme last year, which it said had damaged the turf. The Blasters said they were in active discussions with the relevant authorities and were working to avoid any issues for the upcoming season. Mohammedan Sporting, Odisha FC, NorthEast United FC and Hyderabad FC are the other clubs denied the licence.
New Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
GCDA to provide Rs 1 crore each to nine municipalities to develop open spaces
KOCHI: Recognising the importance of public open spaces in the development of the city, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has decided to provide financial assistance of H1 crore each to nine municipalities in Ernakulam district to develop and maintain them. In the first phase of the project, funds will be allocated to Aluva, Angamaly, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Tripunithura, Maradu, Eloor, North Paravoor and Perumbavoor municipalities. Through the project, GCDA aims to develop public spaces and parks with facilities for the public, including children, to spend time and hold public gatherings. 'The intention is to set up open spaces like Ernakulam Subhash Park and Edappally Changampuzha Park, in each municipality that has facilities and where public events can be held. Open spaces and public gathering places are essential elements of the urban environment, improving the quality of life, promoting social interaction, and contributing to sustainable economic and environmental development,' said K Chandran Pillai, the GCDA chairman. The chairpersons of the municipalities appreciated the move to allocate funds to the civic bodies. The meeting assessed that the decision to provide budget allocation to municipalities is a first in history.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
GCDA to develop open spaces in nine municipalities in Ernakulam
Kochi: Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will develop open spaces in nine municipalities in Greater Cochin area. Project will be implemented in Aluva, Angamaly, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Tripunithura, Maradu, Eloor, North Paravur and Perumbavoor municipalities. An amount of Rs 1 crore will be provided to each municipality for the project. Open spaces will be developed in the model of Subhash Park and Changampuzha Park .A meeting to discuss preliminary steps of the project was held at Cusat Seminar Hall on Thursday. Representatives of municipalities, including chairpersons and secretaries, attended the meeting. GCDA has allocated funds for the project in 2025-26 finance to GCDA authorities, the project aims to set up public spaces and parks with modern facilities for public gatherings, leisure and community events. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai stated that open areas and public meeting spaces are essential components of urban environments, improving quality of life, encouraging social interactions and contributing to sustainable economic and environmental development. "As Kochi city expands and neighbouring municipalities develop, demand for well-designed public spaces with good amenities becomes more critical," he the meeting, representatives of municipalities requested the authority to create new public spaces quickly and enhance existing ones using the allocated funds. Municipal chairpersons unanimously welcomed GCDA's decision to allocate funds, noting that this is the first time in history such a budget allocation has been made. They emphasized the need for continued support from GCDA for municipalities, for various ongoing projects and for implementing new initiatives with financial senior town planner Sheeba MM and town planning officer Subhash presented project details at the meeting.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Work on GCDA's new Kakkanad shopping complex to begin soon
KOCHI: Construction of the Greater Cochin Development Authority's new shopping complex in Kakkanad is set to begin soon. The facility, dubbed 'Commercial Hub 2.0,' will come up on 14 acres of land owned by GCDA in the heart of Kakkanad and replace the existing 50-year-old building. Officials said the new 18,000 sqft building will be spread over five floors, including the basement, which will house a parking lot. It will also boast retail and office spaces, a meeting hall on the top floor, toilets, lifts, and other facilities. At least 13 shop owners from the existing premises will be rehabilitated to a nearby facility until the new building is constructed. Demolition of the old structure and construction of the new one is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half years. The authority has set apart `6.5 crore of its own funds for the project. 'We are currently carrying out final estimations. The tender for the project, covering demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new one, will be issued shortly,' a GCDA official said. The project was unveiled at a review meeting, attended by Collector N S K Umesh, GCDA chairperson K Chandran Pillai, district panchayat president Manoj Muthedan, members of the Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopanai Samithi, tenants of the existing building, and GCDA planning and engineering department officials, held at the district panchayat meeting hall on Wednesday. Other projects currently being undertaken by the authority include new commercial complexes at Dhobi Khana in Fort Kochi on 2.75 acres of GCDA land, at a budget of Rs 5.6 crore, a public-private partnership (PPP) model multi-storied complex on 129 cents in Olimugal, Kakkanad, a commercial-residential complex in Kadavanthra, a new multi-storied commercial complex on GCDA land at High Court Junction replacing the existing shopping and bank complexes near Marine Drive, a 2,000 sqft, two-storied shopping complex near Mundamveli LIFE Mission project, and a 3,200 sqft, two-storied commercial complex in Edathala.
