KOCHI: Lack of enough public spaces for leisure outings in the city is making people explore interesting places in the outskirts of the city. With no proper walkway or seating arrangement, the emerging Marine Drive near the Container Road at the North Mulavukadu Junction, has already raised hopes of the Kochiites. Since, the place is clam, beautiful and perfect for spending leisure time, the number of visitors is on a constant rise. The inflow of visitors has also led to residents setting up refreshment shops in the area.“Sundays have more visitors. People come here in there own vehicles as the public transport access to this place is inadequate. They love to watch the sunset from here,” said R Soman, an ice cream vendor.The Mulavaukadu Panchayat has already approached the state government for financial support to convert the spot into one of the tourist destinations of the city. “The lake and the river add on to the scenic beauty of the place and attracts more people everyday. The new Container Road, that allows the frequent movement of the people from different parts of the city, allows easy access to this place,” said A K Dhinakaran, Mulavukadu Panchayat president. He said that last month, the panchayat had submitted a proposal to develop the place into a tourist destination to the Chief Minister. “The proposal includes construction of a water park, introducing Kashmiri model house boats, providing recreation facilities like a walkway etc,” he added.At present, the visitors are using the land on one side of the Container Road, which is already filled for widening, as the walkway. “This proposal will help in tackling the issues related to the lack of public spaces in the city to a certain extent. It will also be a boost to the tourism development in this area. However, we are waiting for the approval from the government.” he said.Meanwhile, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) project director C T Abraham said that the decision on the construction of a walkway at this place can be taken only after completing the construction of theContainer Road. “At present, we have only completed the construction of the two lanes out of the 45-metre four lane stretch. If necessary, we will have to construct service roads there.” he said. However, Abraham added that the NHAI would look into the possibilities of constructing a walkway if there is space even after the construction of service roads.
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