Kochi's Thrikkakara Municipality Greenlights Rs 22-Crore Saphalyam Housing Initiative
In a significant move to address housing insecurity, the Thrikkakara municipality council in Kochi has officially approved the Saphalyam project, a Rs 22-crore housing scheme designed to provide free apartments to 78 economically vulnerable families. These families currently own neither land nor homes within the municipality limits, highlighting the project's focus on uplifting the most disadvantaged residents.
Project Details and Funding Structure
Municipality vice-chairperson Shereena Shukoor confirmed that a detailed project report has been prepared by a Thrissur-based consultancy, laying the groundwork for implementation. The local body has sanctioned an initial Rs 2 crore for the project, with the remaining Rs 20 crore to be mobilized through upcoming municipal budgets. Construction is slated to begin in the next financial year, pending necessary approvals.
Land Use and Conversion Challenges
The apartment complex is proposed on a 50-cent plot at Vanachira, which the municipality originally purchased for waste management purposes. During the 2010–2015 period, a revised resolution was passed to repurpose the land for residential construction, and permission was sought from the state government. Approval was subsequently granted; however, progress is currently stalled due to land conversion requirements. The site is classified as wetland, and the municipality is awaiting clearances to reclassify it for housing use.
Shukoor expressed hope that the government would expedite the conversion process to enable construction activities to commence at the earliest. Once completed, Saphalyam is expected to significantly improve living conditions by offering secure housing and basic amenities in a purpose-built residential complex, marking a transformative step for Thrikkakara's underserved communities.
