The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has served notices to over 100 tenants — principally merchants — around the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala, ordering a month-long shutdown from October 25 as half of the security protocol for the worldwide friendly match between the Lionel Messi-led defending World Cup champions Argentina and Australia, to be performed on the stadium on November 17.
Upon receiving the discover earlier this week, merchants beneath the aegis of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium Shop Owners Association held conferences with GCDA chairperson Ok. Chandran Pillai, requesting that the shutdown be decreased to a week from a month, which they felt was too lengthy and would take a toll on their companies. However, that request was deemed non-negotiable.
Although compensation was mentioned, the GCDA said that it was past its mandate and that the choice rested with the Kerala authorities.
Traders submit memorandum
Traders have submitted a memorandum to the Sports Minister, Industries Minister, and the GCDA chairperson in search of readability on how the proposed compensation could be calculated and the way rapidly it could be disbursed.
“The shutdown will affect over 100 tenants, impacting around 1,000 individuals, including staff, and nearly 4,000 when their families are also counted. The possibility of temporary relocation was also discussed, though a sudden shift at short notice would not be feasible for most,” mentioned P.R. Jijikumar, affiliation president.
During the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches hosted on the stadium in 2017, shops have been shut for 43 days, prompting merchants to strategy the Kerala High Court. Although a security deposit of ₹25 lakh was collected from sponsors at the moment for compensation, solely a few merchants obtained substantial quantities, whereas the bulk obtained lower than ₹1 lakh.
Additionally, the GCDA in 2021 included a clause stating that merchants wouldn’t be entitled to compensation in the occasion of a shutdown for matches. During Indian Super League (ISL) matches hosted on the Kaloor stadium, shops stay closed on match days with none compensation.
Meanwhile, preparations are beneath approach in and around the stadium forward of the high-profile match, anticipated to draw unprecedented crowds.
