A heated debate is unfolding in Kochi after the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) voiced strong objections to a controversial plan. The proposal involves the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) crafting a blueprint to convert the current Kochi city Corporation office into a museum – a decision allegedly made without any consultation with the city council.
M.G. Aristotle, the UDF parliamentary party leader, wasted no time in formally writing to Mayor M. Anilkumar. His letter highlighted the Opposition’s deep concern, arguing that such a move effectively sidelined the council and undermined the democratic process. Aristotle demanded an immediate halt to the initiative and insisted that any future proposals be brought before the council for transparent discussion.
The Opposition leader revealed that they only learned of this significant proposal when it appeared on the agenda of a C-HED executive committee meeting, chaired by the Mayor himself, on September 9. Aristotle emphasized that the conversion of the old Corporation office into a museum should have been thoroughly debated and approved by the council before C-HED was tasked with developing such a project.
A New Home is Coming
Mayor M. Anilkumar, however, has firmly rejected these accusations. He clarified that no such proposal could ever move forward without the explicit approval of the council. The Mayor explained that the idea was merely a preliminary consideration for the future use of the existing office building, especially since the Corporation is set to relocate to its brand-new headquarters currently under construction near High Court Junction. Furthermore, the C-HED office itself requires temporary relocation to the current Corporation premises during its own renovation.
“The existing office stands as a significant heritage structure,” Mr. Anilkumar stated, “and the concept of transforming it into a museum was only a brief thought. Regardless, such a monumental change is a protracted process and is highly improbable to be initiated during the tenure of the current council.”
Beyond Just a Museum
Sources close to the matter reveal that the museum concept is just one of several possibilities that C-HED has been asked to explore for the historic Corporation office. Other intriguing ideas include establishing an interactive science gallery, a museum dedicated to shipbuilding technology, or a comprehensive chronicle of Kochi’s rich history and the evolution of the city Corporation. Given that the Corporation office is a vital public asset, any definitive plan for its conversion into a museum would ultimately require official government authorization.