The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has issued closure notices to more than 100 businesses, primarily shops, located near the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala. This directive mandates a month-long shutdown starting October 25, implemented as a crucial security measure for the highly anticipated international friendly match. The game, scheduled for November 17, will feature the defending World Cup champions Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, against Australia.
Upon receiving these notices earlier in the week, concerned traders, represented by the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium Shop Owners Association, promptly met with GCDA chairperson K. Chandran Pillai. They urged the authorities to reduce the shutdown period from a full month to just one week, arguing that an extended closure would severely impact their livelihoods. Unfortunately, their plea was met with a firm refusal, as the request was deemed non-negotiable. This decision comes shortly after the official announcement that Kochi would host the Argentina-Australia friendly on November 17.
While discussions about potential compensation for the affected businesses did take place, the GCDA clarified that such decisions fall outside its jurisdiction and must be made by the Kerala government.
Businesses Seek Government Intervention on Compensation
In response, the traders have submitted a formal memorandum to the Sports Minister, Industries Minister, and the GCDA chairperson. Their primary concern is to gain clear insight into how any promised compensation will be calculated and, crucially, how swiftly it will be disbursed.
P.R. Jijikumar, president of the association, highlighted the significant impact of the shutdown: “The closure will directly affect more than 100 tenants, impacting approximately 1,000 employees, and nearly 4,000 individuals when their families are considered. While temporary relocation was explored as an option, a sudden move with such short notice would simply not be practical for most businesses.”
This isn’t the first time traders have faced such an ordeal. During the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches hosted at the stadium in 2017, shops were closed for an even longer period—43 days. That prolonged shutdown led traders to seek legal recourse from the Kerala High Court. Although a security deposit of ₹25 lakh was collected from sponsors for compensation back then, only a handful of traders received significant amounts, with most receiving less than ₹1 lakh.
Adding to their concerns, the GCDA introduced a clause in 2021 explicitly stating that traders would not be eligible for compensation if their businesses were closed for matches. This policy is already in effect during Indian Super League (ISL) matches at Kaloor stadium, where shops are routinely shut on game days without any financial recompense.
Amidst these ongoing concerns, preparations are rapidly advancing both inside and outside the stadium for the highly anticipated match, which is expected to draw an enormous and enthusiastic crowd.