Neglect mars Cochin Port Trust Avenue Walkway; Now a haven for reptiles and stray dogs

Kochi: The 2.1-km-long Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) Avenue Walkway, once a prized waterfront haven for residents and tourists, has fallen into a state of severe neglect.Located between Thoppumpady and Kannangattu bridges, the promenade was developed in 2020 to offer scenic backwater views and excellent amenities, including adequate car parking, ramps for disabled people, an open gym, open huts, restaurants, a pedestrian bridge and children’s play areas. Today, its rapid deterioration sparked widespread disappointment.“It has been years since any maintenance was done,” rues M I Siyad, 57, a regular morning walker since the facility opened. “Thick overgrowth smothers the benches and e-toilets. Scattered food waste litters the path, attracting pests. Furthermore, the children’s arena has become hazardous, with most equipment left broken, rusted or covered in muddy water. Antisocial elements use the place once dusk sets in,” Siyad said.The lack of care introduced serious safety risks, transforming the recreational zone into a breeding ground for stray dogs and reptiles. “A snake was found close to the walkway just the other day,” Siyad added.Kochi corporation has asked the Port Trust to carry out urgent maintenance work. “They promised quick action. Our health workers earlier used to clear the overgrowth, but we are running short on personnel. We’re getting complaints of stray dog menace as well. Food waste from restaurants is attracting the animals in groups, which are turning a threat to morning walkers,” said Shakritha Suresh Babu, Island South councillor.The security concerns are echoed by families. Annie Joseph, a resident of Edakochi who recently visited with her four grandchildren, expressed deep anxiety, “The walkway and parks are covered with such dense overgrowth that you cannot tell if reptiles are hiding underneath. Because this area is relatively isolated, security personnel should be posted here permanently. I had to accompany my grandchildren just to ensure their safety.”Frustrated by administrative apathy, a dedicated group of morning walkers recently took matters into their own hands, clearing weeds and pooling resources to replace damaged equipment in the open gym, the only functioning segment of the stretch. However, they quickly realised the full scale of reclamation was beyond manual civic efforts.The ongoing decay threatens to take the sheen off a major tourism initiative. KSRTC’s budget tourism cell (BTC) is conducting an open-top double-decker evening ‘City Tour’, which is designed to showcase Kochi’s coastal beauty. There is a 15-minute halt at the walkway for travellers to stroll, take photographs and dine at local restaurants.A senior BTC official acknowledged the promenade’s poor state but maintained it would not disrupt their plans. “We mainly see the destination as a scenic photo viewpoint. However, it would be ideal if the port authorities carried out repairs on a war footing.”When confronted, Cochin Port Trust authorities, who hold direct responsibility for the site, claimed they ordered their three commercial lessees to execute repairs immediately. “Work to clear the overgrowth and handle other maintenance will start within two days,” a spokesperson assured.Regular visitors, however, remain highly skeptical. With monsoon already having made landfall, residents argue that the window for effective outdoor work has closed. Heavy rains are bound to waterlog the grounds, disrupt labour and accelerate weed growth.“If the walkway is to be saved from permanent ruin, it requires immediate, sustained intervention rather than bureaucratic delays and empty promises,” said Joseph Peter, a resident of Nettoor.