Kochi Metropolitan Development Authority Plans Rejected by Govt
The Kerala state government has decided against the formation of a Metropolitan Development Authority (MDA) in Kochi. The announcement was made in response to a question in the state assembly, with the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) minister confirming that there are no plans to form an MDA or expand the jurisdiction of Kochi’s city corporation. This decision effectively quashes the hopes of many city planners and local experts who had anticipated that the formation of an MDA would follow the government’s plan to establish a Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) in the city.
The issue of forming an MDA had been a subject of considerable debate following a ruling by the Kerala High Court in March 2023. The court had directed the state government to form both an MPC and an MDA in Kochi, based on a public interest litigation petition. While the state government has since initiated the formation of the MPC, local experts argue that the absence of an MDA renders the planning process incomplete. The MPC, according to these experts, lacks the authority to implement projects, which is a critical gap in effective urban development. Without an MDA, the planning body cannot drive the necessary infrastructure projects and regulatory frameworks needed for the city’s growth.
In its finance budget for 2025-26, the state government reiterated plans to form MPCs in three major cities, including Kochi, further raising expectations that the MDA would also be constituted. However, local authorities and stakeholders in Kochi have expressed frustration over the government’s stance, especially in light of reports suggesting the potential dissolution of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). The GCDA had been pushing for elevation to MDA status, arguing that it could help with the implementation of large-scale development projects.
The rejection of the MDA proposal has left petitioners, including one of the original advocates for the formation of both bodies, disillusioned. They argue that Kochi needs a development authority that is equipped to manage urban challenges and implement key projects that align with sustainable growth objectives. As the city continues to face urban sprawl, congestion, and inadequate infrastructure, the demand for a more robust urban governance body has never been more urgent.It is understood that the petitioners, along with local authorities, are considering legal recourse to compel the state government to reconsider the formation of an MDA for Kochi, once the MPC is formally established. The debate is far from over, and many in the city hope that this setback will eventually lead to a more comprehensive urban development solution for Kochi.
