Kozhikode Corporation re-adopts Central Market demolition resolution

The Kozhikode Corporation Council has once again adopted a resolution to demolish the existing Central Fish Market building for redevelopment after failing to communicate a similar decision taken a year ago to the State government.

The council had approved the resolution at its ordinary meeting on July 15, 2025. However, the civic body failed to communicate the decision to the government, whose approval is necessary because the building is not considered dilapidated.

The resolution was placed before a special council meeting chaired by Mayor O. Sadasivan on Friday (October 16) and passed again. Congress councillor Viswanathan Puthussery questioned the need to bring back the agenda that had already been approved last year.

Superintending engineer K.N. Bijoy clarified that the earlier proceedings had recorded only the ratification of advance approval to forward the valuation to the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation.

Leader of the Opposition in the council S.V. Mohammed Shameel Thangal of the United Democratic Front (UDF), said that describing the building as non-dilapidated in the agenda could pose hurdles in securing government approval. Mr. Bijoy said the building, constructed in 2002, had an estimated lifespan of only 30 to 35 years.

BJP councillor T. Raneesh expressed concern that the ₹55.17-crore fund sanctioned for the project could be lost if the work was delayed. The Mayor said efforts were under way to expedite the process and that the local MLA had also intervened to ensure that the funds were not lost.

Responding to Indian Union Muslim League councillor T.P.M. Jishan’s query about a court stay obtained by some traders against the redevelopment, Mr. Sadasivan said no stay was in force at present.

The Mayor said existing traders with outstanding rent arrears would also be considered for rehabilitation if they cleared their dues.

The council also approved decisions related to the Nirmalam cleanliness campaign.