KOCHI: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has begun the process to issue a notification for land pooling for the highly anticipated Phase III of Infopark.
GCDA plans to acquire approximately 1,000 acres to establish a new campus spanning 300 acres in the Kizhakkambalam and Kunnathunadu villages. This initiative will mark Kerala’s first land pooling project.
Last year, the government tasked GCDA with overseeing the land pooling process. Since then, GCDA has engaged in discussions with Infopark, conducted site inspections, and worked to identify suitable land. However, technical challenges arose as the identified lands were outside GCDA’s jurisdiction. As a result, the authority sought government intervention, which led to a special order last month designating GCDA for land pooling in the specified area.
The first step in the land pooling process involves issuing an initial notification to determine suitable land. The area earmarked for pooling, along with specific survey numbers, will be outlined in a boundary map. Following this, a meeting will be held with local landowners to present the project details. If 75% of landowners consent to the pooling, GCDA will move forward with the project. A draft project document will then be prepared for government approval, and after incorporating public feedback, the final project document will be finalized before work commences. Once the projects are executed on the pooled land, a designated percentage will be returned to the landowners. If 75% of landowners do not agree, GCDA will explore alternatives to find suitable land, according to their authorities.
A press release from GCDA on Monday stated that the Phase III campus will include six major components: carbon neutrality, self-sustaining water resources, a complete waste management system, connectivity via road, rail, and airport, an inclusive IT park, and a maintenance system that does not disrupt IT operations. In addition to IT companies, the project will also feature residential areas, commercial spaces, sports and cultural facilities, recreational zones, hospitals, and educational institutions.
