KCZMA divided on the Bolgatty project

Members of the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) are divided on the issue of whether to allow Emke Group, led by MA Yusuff Ali, to set up the Bolgatty convention centre.

The opposing members argue that the clearance should not have been given for a non-port activity in a reclaimed area within a sensitive ecosystem.

Four of the nine members of the authority, including the revenue department representative, were of the opinion that it was improper to give permission for any other construction on the property, except for port activities.

While a majority of experts, along with the revenue department official, stood against the decision, it got the support of nominees of other government departments.

At an earlier meeting of the authority, the decision was taken to clear the construction of convention and exhibition centre at Mulavukadu village. But when the minutes came up for approval in the next meeting, some members demanded that their strong disapproval be registered in the final decision.

Though the members protested against granting permission for the project, the decision was passed owing to a majority not objecting to the proposal.

The Association for Environmental Protection Council, Aluva alleged that the Cochin Port Trust was involved in ‘suspicious’ activities in connection with the project.