Photo: Queen Mary 2 behind Embarkation Jetty.
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is planning to take up a project under which two new boat jetties would be constructed along with the renovation of the seven existing permanent ones along Marine Drive from Embarkation Jetty to the Goshree Bridge. All passenger and tourist boat jetties in this stretch are in a dilapidated condition and unsafe for travellers. “The renovation will be taken up with the support of the Tourism Department and other agencies. MLA funds will also be utilised for the project. Work will start after the annual budget of the GCDA, to be presented on February 23”, said GCDA chairman N.Venugopal.Two new jetties would be constructed near the new Marine Drive walkway. “Traders near the jetties will be moved to new shops to be constructed with better facilities. The jetties will be constructed so as to make them more tourism-friendly”, Venugopal added.The GCDA will seek the support of the state Ports Department, Kerala State Water Transport Department and private boat operators for the implementation of the project.Meanwhile, several unauthorised temporary jetties are being operated here where several tourist boats anchor. Recently, District Collector P.I.Sheik Pareeth along with GCDA chairman N.Venugopal and Hibi Eden, MLA , inspected the area and located as many as 22 illegal jetties.Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130108/news-current-affairs/article/makeover-seven-boat-jetties-kochi
