CIAL golf course to be opened soon
Move to set up 18-hole golf course
By Our Staff Reporter
KOCHI, DEC. 24. The Department of Sports has
responded positively to the proposal of The Kerala Golf Association
(TKGA) for developing an 18-hole golf course in the city, the first of
its kind in the State. A decision in this regard will be taken within a
few months.
There are only five golf courses in Kerala;
all nine-hole courses. Of these, only the Trivandrum Golf Course and
the one at Bolgatty Palace are open to the public. Entry to the golf
course at the Naval Base and two others at Munnar is restricted, said
Major. Gen. K.J. Koshi (retd.), president of TKGA.
Golf course site
The association has identified an 80-acre plot
near the Naval Armament Depot (NAD) at Kalamassery and forwarded a
project proposal to the Ministry of Industry, as the plot is owned by
the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation.
The association selected this site as it falls
under the first security sterile zone, being in the neighbourhood of
the NAD, and any construction activity in the region has been
restricted under the provision of the Indian Works of Defence Act 1903
and the Government of India Ministry of Defence Gazette notifications
dated January 21, 1992. Also, it is better connected to the mainland,
being just two kilometres off NH-47 and the Seaport-Airport Road.
Said the Minister for Sports and Fisheries,
Dominic Presentation: "This plot, I have been told, is not available
for any other construction. The department will proceed with the
proposal once a report is obtained."
Agencies such as the Kochi Corporation,
Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), Southern Region of the
Confederation of Indian Industry, Kerala Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and Kerala State Small Industries Association have already
supported the proposal.
The Department of Sports plans to incorporate
the Information Technology industry as well as Navy personnel while
working out the proposal, Mr. Presentation said.
Project details
A report submitted by the TKGA proposes the
completion of the project in a phased manner. The first phase will be
completed in three years at a cost of Rs. 3 crores. Marketing the
membership, development of fairways, greens, bunkers, drainage and tee
boxes, purchase of essential golf course equipment and enhancement of
water bodies by integrating the existing facilities are included in the
first phase.
The existing building on the boundary of the
sterile zone will be converted into the clubhouse. The course
maintenance equipment and machinery will be housed in three small
buildings adjoining the main building.
The second phase, which will be completed in
two years, is expected to cost Rs. 2 crores. The second phase will
include enhancing the course to international standards and widening
the membership base.
Courtesy : The Hindu
