Kochi’s heritage zones of Fort Kochi and Mattanc-herry may soon get a facelift.
The tripartite agreement between Kochi Corporation, French city of Lorient and Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation could help to revive the heritage conservation project supported by UNESCO.
The fate of the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry heritage conservation pr-oject proposed by the city corporation is hanging in the balance following the delay in fund allocation by the state government.
The 51-crore UNESCO conservation project aims at preparing an action plan for the conservation and management of the heritage zones of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
“Though the state government has offered assistance of Rs 15 crore for the project, the fund has not yet been handed over to the corporation.
The UNESCO heritage experts have conducted a two-phase technical study in the area and prepared a detailed report on the list of steps needed for the protection, conservation and maintenance of the heritage resources of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
But the project could not kick off due to lack of funds,” said K.J. Sohan, chairman of the town planning committee.
It is generally felt that the MoU with Lorient would definitely help to boost the project. “As per the MoU, Lorient will provide technical advice and assistance in heritage conservation projects of the city corporation,” he said.