International Collaborations, Major Projects, Ongoing Projects, Programs, Projects

• TOSCA Installation and Demonstration

  The TOSCA installation and demonstration was held at Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) as part of TOSCA India – the Toolkit for Open and Sustainable City Planning & Analysis project implemented with the support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The project is envisioned to address the critical urban challenges and

• Challenge Lab Kochi

  Challenge Lab Kochi – A technical workshop was organized by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH that aimed to develop a granular understanding of city’s needs and priorities, challenges and enablers for setting up the Urban Observatory as well as programming and management of public open spaces. The event was formally inaugurated by the

• Launch of 100 E-Autos

  The launch programme of 100 E-Autos as part of Smart SUT project under GIZ and Urban Pathways project under UN Habitat.

• Kochi – City of Design

  The first Steering Committee of Kochi – City of Design.

• Urban Sustainability and Smart City (USSC) Event

  The India-EU Urban Partnership (IEUP) project between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India and the European Union aims to support the implementation of smart, resilient and sustainable urban development in India under the ‘Road Map -2025’ of India-EU bilateral co-operation. In an interaction in early 2022, the Government of Kerala and

• Visit of Dutch Water Experts

  As part of the ongoing discussions the Hon’ble Mayor has been having with Sri. Venu Rajamony IFS, Officer on Special Duty (External Cooperation), Government of Kerala and Former Ambassador of India to the Netherlands and the Dutch water experts, a delegation of experts visited areas of Kochi city being inundated during heavy rains. The purpose

• EcoLogistics project – Inauguration and handing over of Zero- Emission Electric Freight Autos

  Kochi showcases a way forward to address the complex problems of decarbonising urban logistics, air pollution, climate change, and gender inequality. Hon’ble Justice Shri Devan Ramachandran of the Kerala High Court and Hon’ble Mayor Adv.M Anilkumar inaugurated a demonstration project on September 15, 2022, to promote zero-emission light goods vehicles for last-mile deliveries under EcoLogistics

• Towards Plastic Less Kochi Campaign

  The steel water bottle distribution held at Government Girls L.P School, Ernakulam and SRV Government Higher Secondary School, Ernakulam as part of ‘Towards Plastic Less Kochi Campaign’.    

• Training programme on the vacant land survey and retrieving land survey details from GIS platform

  Training programme on the vacant land survey and retrieving land survey details from GIS platform held as part of the ‘Rapid Response Policy Engagement’ project.  

• Workshop on Advancing Climate action in Kochi – Facilitating c-hed’s priorities as Kochi’s designated cell for climate action

  Workshop on ‘Advancing Climate action in Kochi – Facilitating c-hed’s priorities as Kochi’s designated cell for climate action’ was held to explore the opportunities of further integrating multiple climate resilience and adaptation programs in Kochi. The event had the participation of major stakeholders in the city.  

• Inauguration and handing over of Zero- Emission Electric Freight Autos

    Kochi Municipal Corporation showcases a way forward to address the complex problems of decarbonising urban logistics, air pollution, climate change, and gender inequality. Hon’ble Justice Shri Devan Ramachandran of the Kerala High Court and Hon’ble Mayor of Kochi Shri Adv.M Anilkumar inaugurated a demonstration project on September 15, 2022, to promote zero-emission light goods

• VACANT LAND SURVEY – DATA HANDING OVER CEREMONY

  The vacant land survey data handing over ceremony held as part of the ‘Rapid Response Policy Engagement’ project done with the support of University of Reading, UK and SCMS School of Architecture. The is project is co-ordinated by c-hed.

• MoU signed between c-hed and MG University

  A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today between the Centre for Urban Studies and Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (c-hed) to work together on urban development, public governance, urban studies and research activities.   The programme was attended by the Hon’ble Mayor of Kochi Adv. M Anilkumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of M G University

• Stakeholder discussion on “Transforming adoption of E-Autos in Indian Cities” initiative

  The stakeholder discussion on “Transforming adoption of E-Autos in Indian Cities” initiative held  at Kochi Municipal Corporation council hall.

• Towards Plastic Less Kochi Campaign

  Prabhat Pheri and the inauguration of the Plastic waste collection box held as part of ‘Towards Plastic Less Kochi Campaign’ at Ernakulam Boat Jetty.         Prabhat Pheri held as part of ‘Towards Plastic Less Kochi Campaign’ at Thevara.

• Inauguration of setting up of Water Treatment Plant at Subhash Bose Park and the Kick off of ‘Towards Plastic Less Kochi’ Campaign

  The inauguration of setting up of Water Treatment Plant at Subhash Bose Park and the Kick off of ‘Towards Plastic Less Kochi’ Campaign were held at Subhash Bose Park on July 8, 2022.

• Inauguration of the Mini Nature Interpretation Centre and the release of the Handbook on ‘Trees of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

  The inauguration of the Mini Nature Interpretation Centre and the release of the Handbook on ‘Trees of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry’ were held at Subhash Bose Park.                    

• World Environment Day 2022 – Kawaki project launch

  The launch of the Kawaki project as part of the World Environment Day celebration was held at Subhash Bose park, Kochi    

• European Union – IURC delegation visits the Greater Cochin Development Authority

  The European Union – IURC delegation visited the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and held discussion with the Chairman Sri. K Chandran Pillai and team.  

• European Union – IURC delegation visits Cochin Port Trust

  The European Union – IURC delegation visited the Cochin Port Trust and held discussion with the Chairman Dr. M. Beena IAS and team.                    

• European Union – IURC delegation visits Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research, CUSAT

  The European Union – IURC delegation visited the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research of the Cochin University for Science and Technology and held discussion with Dr. Abhilash. S, Director, and team.

• EU – IURC delegation visits CSML

  The visiting EU – IURC delegation had a detailed discussion on Kochi’s smart city project and programmes. Sri. Shanavas IAS , CEO , CSML briefed the delegation about the ongoing projects. They also discussed with the team the programmes and area of cooperation within IURC.

• Mullassery Canal Project – Team visit

  Ms. Teresa Kerber, the Project Manager for SUD-SC Phase II project of GIZ visited Kochi to meet with the Hon’ble Mayor and Dr. Rajan Chedambath, Director, c-hed. She was accompanid by Ms. Charlotte Pusch, GIZ, Ms. Fathim Rashna, GIZ, Mr. Esakkiraj S, GIZ. The team also visited the Ente Kochi Urban Design Competition site –

• Morgenstadt Global Smart Cities Initiative (MGI) – Sustainable Neighbourhood project

  SITE VISIT AND STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP As part of the ongoing Morgenstadt Global Smart Cities Initiative (MGI) – Sustainable Neighbourhood project, the project team from Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO), Stuttgart, University of Stuttgart, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) visited Kochi. The team along with the c-hed visited the project area at Elamakkara North

• TUMI – WAY FINDING SIGNAGES INAUGURATION

  Kochi Ithile way finding signage project was created based on Reimagining Fort KochiProposal and and Transport Strategy document by SMART-SUT for West Kochi Island withpartners including Kochi Municipal Corporation, Centre for Heritage, Environment andDevelopment (C-HED), and GIZ India , through the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative(TUMI), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and

• KAWAKI PROJECT INAUGURATION

  Nature Based Solutions is one of the few important verticals in which Kochi Municipal Corporation is focused on. In this regard Kochi Municipal Corporation is launching the KAVAKI initiative, which focuses on increasing the cities green cover by developing urban grooves of native trees in a data-based approach focusing on the most heat stress vulnerable

• 

  The city of Kochi is an important place of employment for migrant workers in Kerala. The migrant workers in any urban centre are often forced to live in unhygienic and unsafe conditions. The case to some extent in Kochi is the same. They are often denied the access to safe and fair accommodation in the

• Setting up of Integrated Support Platform for Women Entrepreneurship in Kochi

  Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and cities. With an emphasis on the economic and social upliftment and security of women, Kochi Municipal Corporation with the support of GIZ India launched the Women Entrepreneurship Project ‘Venture Initiation Program – Women (VIP: Women)’under the SDG and Governance component of

• TRAINING PROGRAMME ON SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING

  The Kochi Municipal Corporation and the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) in partnership with CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), CEPT University, Ahmedabad with the support of the GIZ India organized an online training programme on ‘Sustainable Urban Planning’ on two consecutive days for government officials and professionals engaged with the urban development

• KOCHI ECO CHALLENGE PROJECT

  On the occasion of the World Environment Day 2021, the Kochi Municipal Corporation is launching the ‘Kochi Eco Challenge’ (Kochi Eco System Challenge) project in collaboration with District Haritha Keralam Mission and Suchitwa  Mission under the leadership of St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam and C-HED, the Environmental Division of the Kochi Municipal Corporation. The ‘Kochi Eco

• Auto Ambulance service

  An emergency service to cater to the needs of COVID patients, especially transport of COVID patients to hospitals, supply of medicines, oximeter, oxygen cylinder and thermometer and to patients houses, etc kick started yesterday in the city. Covid relief works have been on the radar for Kochi municipal corporation and C-HED has been providing backend

• Policy Presentation- Rapid Response Policy Engagement – Affordable Rental Housing for Internal Migrants

  The city of Kochi is an important place of employment for migrant workers in Kerala. Workers from Tamil Nadu have been living and working in the city for decades. In addition, workers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and many more can be found in the city today. The migrant workers

• Hybrid Workshop – The Morgenstadt Global Smart City Innovation Lab

  Kochi is one among the Indian cities selected for ‘The Morgenstadt Global Smart City Innovation Lab’. The project is being coordinated and implemented in the city by the C-HED with the technical support of the University of Stuttgart and Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO), Stuttgart. The other prominent institutions that have partnered in this

• Subhash Bose Park Reopening

  The prestigious Subhash Bose Park is maintained by Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development. The park is a fine example of our efforts . It serves as the green lungs of the core city and a space for recreation . It is now alive and vibrant with music concerts , performing arts and other cultural

• VISIT OF CONSUL GENERAL OF FRANCE AND AFD INDIA DIRECTOR

  The Consul General of France in India Ms. Lise TALBOT BARRE and Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) India Director Bruno Bosle visited the North-South Mobility Corridor project area during their recent visit to Kochi.

• ECOLOGISTICS STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION MEETING

  Today the whole world is facing serious climate change issues, as a result of uncontrolled carbon emissions from various sectors mainly transport sector. Our Kochi is one of the areas that suffers the most from its bitter effects. Unscientific transportation is one of the major problems facing Kochi in this regard. Based on this, several

• RAPID RESPONSE POLICY ENGAGEMENT – ONLINE COLLOQUIUM

  An online workshop on ‘Explore Issues and Solutions for Solving Housing Challenges of Migrant Workers in Kochi, Kerala’ was organized as part of Rapid Response Policy Engagement project on March 16, 2021 as part of the comprehensive planning of the recommendations received from the stakeholder workshop held on March 5, 2021. Hon’ble Mayor Adv. M

• URBAN ENERGY TRANSITION – STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP

  Kochi, one of the major urban agglomerations in the state is seriously pondering on the need for sustainable energy transition. It has been very proactively discussing and engaging with various stakeholders to identify the opportunities and challenges of clean energy projects within the city. In this regard, the urban energy transition project, the brainchild of

• RAPID RESPONSE POLICY ENGAGEMENT – STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP

  The city of Kochi is an important place of employment for migrant workers in Kerala. Workers from Tamil Nadu have been living and working in the city for decades. In addition, workers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and many more can be found in the city today. The migrant workers

• CANOPY ART-HOLIC PAINTERS CAMP

  Kochi Corporation in association with Kerala Lalithakala Academy  conducted Canopy Art-Holic Art Camp of painters on March 4th -6th, 2021 at the Chatiyath Queens Walkway. The three day camp organised as part of the ambitious Arts Space Kochi (ASK) project had 10 renowned artists brushing the colours of the expression of nature on to the

• Road Safety Event organized under ASK

  As part of the Road Safety Month campaign, Kochi Municipal Corporation (KMC) jointly with Transport Department, Government of Kerala and Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA) have launched the Road Safety awareness event in Kochi on February 16, 2021. The event was supported by Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) under the initiative ‘Art Space

• ASK MUSICAL EVENT AT KOCHI DURBAR HALL GROUND AND KOITHARA PARK

  As part of Arts Space Kochi a live music events was held at Durbar Hall and Koithara Park in Kochi on February 14, 2021. The performances were done by the music band of young techies named ‘Untagged’. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Mayor Adv. M. Anil Kumar. The event was held in association

• ARTS SPACE KOCHI PROGRAMME LAUNCH

  Kochi Corporation in association with the district administration in coordination with the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED), launched Arts Space Kochi (ASK) on February 8, 2021 Monday in an effort to encourage arts, particularly in public spaces. The project kicked off with an inaugural event at the cultural corner of Kochi Metro Rail

• Biodiversity strategy and action plan for Kochi

  The Kochi Corporation has prepared a local biodiversity strategy and action plan which sets 29 goals for the city to achieve on biodiversity conservation by 2025. The city is the first in the country to develop a ‘scientifically informed and participatory’ action plan, according to Mayor Soumini Jain’s message in the plan. The plan was

• Kochi City Biodiversity Index

    The City Biodiversity Index and Illustrated Natural Asset Map of Kochi Municipal Corporation, prepared under INTERACT- Bio project was released by Hon’ble Mayor Soumini Jain. Kochi is one the very few cities in India who have developed the City Biodiversity Index. The City Biodiversity Index of Kochi has been developed with support from ICLEI-Local

• EnteKochi Urban Design Competition

  Kochi Municipal Corporation (KMC), with the support and cooperation of GIZ India, under the “Sustainable Urban Development – Smart Cities” (SUD-SC) project, has launched the ‘EnteKochi-Competition’ – a novel approach to a national-level ‘Urban Design Competition’ (UDC), that aims to jointly ‘design the future city’ of Kochi. Multi-disciplinary teams of professionals from diverse backgrounds (Social

• The release of report on C-HED

  The release of the book “Institutional Innovation to Strengthen Urban Local Governments in India, The case of Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED), Kochi Municipal Corporation, Kerala” prepared under SMART-SUD project by GIZ was done by the Hon’ble Mayor of Kochi on September 22, 2020. The report release conducted virtually was attended by counter

• C-HED signs MoU with NIUA

  Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) signed an Memorandum of Understanding with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), one of the apex research institutes in the country. The Hon’ble Mayor of Kochi who is also the chairman of c-hed and the director of NIUA inked pact for a sustainable and livable Kochi that was

• Kochi Metropolitan Web Lab

  As part of the India-EU Urban Partnership (IEUP) programme a Kochi Metropolitan Web Lab was organised by the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development. Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Mayor, the web lab focused on ‘Resilient Urban Planning’ (given its significance post COVID and resulting issues such as reverse migration). The two week long brainstorming session

• Stakeholder Consultation Workshop – Urban Community Resilience Assessment

  As a part of Cities 4 forests initiative by World Resource Institute (WRI India) a multi-stakeholder consultation workshop to assess the indicators of the Urban Community Resilience Assessment (UCRA) tool for Kochi was conducted at c-hed. The workshop was to identify the scope to apply the UCRA Tool in the vulnerable neighborhoods of Kochi city. Stakeholders

• Green Corridor Project (N-S Corridor)

  Mobilise Your City (MYC) project, an initiative of the Union Government to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions related to urban transport. Kochi is one of the cities selected for the MYC project. Urban Mass Transport Company (UMTC) has been entrusted with the task of implementing the project in Kochi.  Under the MYC programme, the

• C-HED at 10th World Urban Forum

  Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) director Dr. Rajan Chedambath presented our organisations case at the 10th World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This competition is designed to share and exchange valuable knowledge and experiences between cities all around the world, with C-HED representing Kochi this year. Joining Dr. Rajan on stage and

• Water Conservation Workshop

  The Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (c-hed) and Ashoka Trust for Reserarch in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), organised a 1 day workshop where we discussed and deliberated on measures for water conservation including developing awareness and strategies to help fight climate change. The event was supported by the Kochi Municipal Corporation and Department of

• Mapathon – Cities4forests

  The Kochi Municipal Corporation in association with the World Resources Institute India organized a ‘Mapathon’ in coordination with the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development, as part of the Cities4Forests project from 9 to 11 January, 2020 at St. Teresa’s College, Kochi to develop monitoring mechanism in Kochi and enhance community participation in restoration. Kochi

• Summer-Winter-School , CEPT University, Ahmedabad

  The Summer Winter School Program of The Premier Habitat University of India , CEPT for 2019 begins in Kochi. This year the program focuses on Smart and Sustainable Urban Development – Experiences from Kochi, India and Frankfurt, Germany with more than 26 CEPT university Masters students and Town planning officials participating in the same. The week

• Cities4Forests – Project Launch

  Cities4Forests is a movement conceptualised to catalyse political, social, and economic support among city governments and urban citizens to integrate the inner, nearby, and faraway forests into city development plans and programs. Cities4Forest helps cities from around the world connect with and invest in forests. The project is initiated by a consortium of international agencies like

• Training Workshop – MYC

  The Kochi Municipal Corporation in partnership with French Development Agency (AFD) and GIZ, organized two day training workshop on sustainable and low carbon urban mobility in association with MYC  and SMART-SUT, on 25th and 26th July 2019. On behalf of Kochi Municipal Corporation, the Centre for Heritage Environment and Development (c-hed) supported the organization of

• Climate Smart Cities

  Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India is implementing a project named ‘Climate Smart Cities’ in Kochi city which is commissioned by Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The project is implemented by GIZ. The project is aimed to develop climate-friendly solutions for urban infrastructure projects and area-based

• Capacity building program – Ecologistics

  A two day capacity building workshop on sustainable urban freight management in Kochi in association with ICLEI South Asia  and Kochi Metro Rail Limited, on 7th and 8th June 2019. The focus of the capacity-building workshop was to prioritize strategies that promote goods transportation with minimal impacts on air quality, noise, health and fatalities and

• A tree for a child

  The Kochi Municipal Corporation is implementing a programme named ‘A tree for a child’, as part of its environment conservation initiatives for the city. The initiative aims at increasing the number of trees per person in the city. As per the programme, the parents of a new born in the city can plant and nurture

• Visit of official delegation from Vilnius , Lithuania as part of IUC programme

  As part of the International Urban Cooperation Program funded by the European Union, a five member delegation from Vilnius, Lithuania led by the head of the urban development department, Mr. Mindaugas Pakalnis, visited Kochi to meet various stakeholders within Kochi Municipal Corporation, Kochi Smart City  and other parastatal agencies involved in various urban development related activities in

• Subhash Park Tree Naming and Handbook Release

  The Subhash Bose park which is maintained by the Center for Heritage, Environment and Development is rich in biodiversity.  Under the interact bio project, jointly conducted by Kochi Municipal Corporation, c-hed and ICLEI,  Mapping, Identification and Naming of trees in Subhash Bose Park were done. A total of 434 trees were identified  which included 61

• Chullickal – Energy Survey

  The Kochi Solar City Cell has launched an energy survey at Chullickal division of the Kochi Municipal  Corporation. The survey kick started on 24/1/2019 with the support and help of 30 students from the Department of Commerce, Cochin College.  The survey aims to identify the possibility of installing solar panels at residential buildings, finding the energy

• DRAWING WORKSHOP 2018

  The CEPT University is conducting a drawing workshop “The sudden change of the line” as part of their winter school 2018 program. The workshop started on December 17th 2018 and has 19 students from various streams participating. The program is known for its distinctive spirit provides a dynamic and multicultural learning experience where the students

• POSTER DESIGNING COMPETITION

  The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India had launched a scheme on “Development of Solar Cities”. Under this scheme Kochi was selected as one among the 60 cities to be supported for development as “Solar/ Green Cities”. The council of the Kochi Municipal Corporation had assigned the Centre for Heritage, Environment

• International Urban Cooperation Project

  Funded by the European Union, the International Urban Cooperation (IUC) programme activities will support the achievement of bilateral policy objectives as well as major international agreements on urban development and climate change, such as the Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement. The IUC programme will engage with major international financial institutions and

• URBAN PATHWAYS

  URBAN PATHWAYS   The Urban Pathways project helps delivering on the Paris Agreement and the NDCs in the context of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It has established a facility in close cooperation with other organisations and networks active in this area to support national and local governments to develop action plans

• One Planet City Challenge 2018-19

  In cities, everything is closely connected. As cities and urban populations expand across the globe, the problems in cities also tend to multiply.  Cities generate over 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions, while also providing a space for urgent (and tangible) climate action. The good news is that solutions can also multiply. And fortunately, solutions already exist today

• Fort Kochi Visioning Workshop

  Fort Kochi is known as the cradle of Eurasian culture. It has a history of more than 500 years with an influence of both Indian and international cultures. Its vibrant history and culture makes it one of India’s major tourist hotspot. It has also been included under Kochi Smart City Project. WRI India in collaboration with Kochi Municipal Corporation ,Cochin Smart

• Kick-off workshop to road map for Zero Carbon Buildings for Kochi city

  The Kochi Municipal Corporation (KMC) had, in its Annual Budget 2018-19, announced a rather innovative project “Zero Carbon Buildings” , which it intends to implement by associating with World Resources Institute India (WRI India) to develop a roadmap and action plan for all buildings to achieve zero carbon potential for Kochi city. Kochi is both a solar city and smart city and

• INTERACT Bio

  INTRODUCTION: The project aims to strengthen the integration of biodiversity management at all levels of governance and facilitate cooperation between national and sub-national authorities for ecosystem management in urban regions. It is funded by Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) under their International Climate Initiative (IKI). The project is

• Maintenance and Management of Subash Chandra Bose Park

  The Subhash Bose Park sandwiched between Park Avenue and the Ernakulam backwaters and facing the harbour is the most scenic and tranquil public space in the city. As the city chokes with ever-growing traffic and congested living conditions, this park has become the green lung and breathing space for the citizens of Kochi. It is

• National Workshop on ‘Guidelines for Biodiversity Conservation for Cities’

  A national workshop was held as part of the activities under the INTERACT-Bio project (German-funded urban biodiversity project) that aims at supporting selected cities in India, Brazil and Tanzania to sustainably manage biodiversity and ecosystems, and support local governments. The national workshop on ‘Guidelines for Biodiversity Conservation for Cities’ was organised by the Kochi Municipal

• Dedicating Sculpture Ensemble to the City

  The renovated sculptures in the Subash Chandra Bose Park, was dedicated to the city on 6th of February 2018 by Artist Namboodiri and literary critic Prof. M.K. Sanoo who were the Guest of Honors for the evening. The renovated work was unveiled  in the presence of Hon’ble Mayor Smt. Soumini Jain, Kochi Municipal Corporation Chairpersons

• Sculpture Restoration Camp

  The Subhash Bose Park lying on the banks of the Ernakulam backwaters and facing the harbour is the most scenic, tranquil and highly frequented public space in the city. As the city chokes with ever-growing traffic and congested living conditions, this park has become the green lung and breathing space for the citizens. The park

• Kick-Off Workshop on low-carbon urban energy, mobility and waste management solutions

  The city of Kochi has been invited to be part of new initiative – the Urban Pathways project that aims at action delivering on the New Urban Agenda in the context of the Paris Agreement by the UN Habitat. This is in continuation with the SOLUTIONs project (Sharing Opportunities for Low carbon Urban TransportationS) in which Kochi

• c-hed signs MoU with CSL

    As part of the maintenance and management plan of the Subhash Bose Park, c-hed had prepared a major restoration plan for the sculptures in the park. Though the proposal was submitted to three different organizations for the CSR fund support, it was the Cochin Shipyard ltd, who came forward to support the project.  The Centre

• Interact BIO – Stakeholders Consultation

  As part of the German funded INTERACT- Bio project a Stakeholder Workshop was organised with support of Kochi Municipal Corporation and Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development, and facilitated by ICLEI- South Asia. The project aims to mainstream and integrate biodiversity conservation and management into the planning process at the national, subnational and local level. Funded by

• Stakeholders Meeting on Action Plan for Solar City Project

  Kochi city has been identified as a solar city by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and was assigned to prepare a solar city master plan for the city. Kochi Municipal Corporation (KMC) had engaged empanelled consultants of Ministry ofNew & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to prepare this master plan. The preparation

• SOLAR CITY CELL

  Kochi was one of the 60 cities that were picked up for implementing the Solar city programme initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which  “aimed at creating self-sustaining cities by leveraging the immense solar potential through renewable energy and several other energy efficiency projects. The programme also aims at “curbing conventional energy

• Visit of Hon’ble German Consul General Ms. Margit Hellwig-Bötte

  German Consul General Ms. Margit Hellwig-Bötte met with the Mayor of Kochi Ms. Soumini Jain to discuss the Smart City Initiative. Germany is supporting Kochi in the Smart City project with the requisite technical and financial assistance. The Mayor and the Consul General agreed that “a city is smart when it improves the livelihood of

• Meeting with Hon’ble Ambassador of Belgium H.E Mr. Jan Luykx

  A trade mission from Belgium led by Ambassador Jan Luykx and Consul-General Bart De Groof has offered technology solutions and ideas for the Kochi Smart City programme. During a joint session organised by the Belgium Embassy in India, Brussels Invest and Export, Kochi Municipal Corporation and Cochin Smart Mission Ltd on Monday, presentations and B2B

• Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN)

  The Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development in association with the ICLEI Local Government for Sustainability, South Asia organized a one day Shared Learning Dialogue (SLD) workshop as a part of the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN), in Kochi  on 17th June, 2016. ACCCRN is an initiative supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, to strengthen

• Visit of UN-Habitat Official

  As part of the SOLUTIONS project, UN-Habitat Urban Basic Services Branch Urban Mobility Unitse Sustainable Urban Mobility Specialist Ms. Stefanie Holzwarth visited Cochin and met Mayor Soumini Jain and Dr. Rajan Chedambath, Director , Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development to discuss on the various  transportation initiatives of Cochin and to know more on UMTA and

• Water Policy for Kochi

  The city of Kochi is facing unique water related problems like continued increase in population due to urbanization and industrialization which is causing severe decline in the quality and quantity of water. It is against this background that the budget of the Kochi Municipal Corporation for the year 2014-2015 decided to have a local water

• Workshop on Sustainable Transport Solutions for Cochin – March 25-27, 2015

  Held during 25 to 27 March 2015, Kochi, India, the three day workshop on sustainable transport solutions workshop gathered various stakeholders regarding urban transport in the city and international expert organizations to discuss on possible solutions that can resolve the overwhelmed transport demand. Kochi has been selected as one of the take up city under

• Twin City Programme between Kochi and Menlo Park

  Kochi, the home of Startup Village, Infopark and upcoming Smart City signed a MoU with the US City, Menlo Park. A 3 member delegation led by the Mayor of Menlo Park Catherine Carlton along Mr. Ray Mueller, Menlo Park City Council Member and Mukul Agarwal, Bootup Ventures Managing Partner visited Kochi City as part of

• Solutions Project (Sharing Opportunities for Low carbon Urban Transporation)

  The UN-Habitat supported European Union funded SOLUTIONS (Sharing Opportunities for Low carbon Urban transporTatION) is one of the major ongoing project of Cochin City. The project aims to support the exchange on innovative and green urban mobility solutions between cities from Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean. The project also focuses on the uptake

• One Kochi One Colour

  After the successful completion of the Mission Clean Kochi Campaign, the Kochi Municipal Corporation has jumped to an advanced second phase with the plan to paint the city blue to ensure a unique identity for the city through the campaign called ‘One Kochi, One Colour’. As part of the project, the walls of buildings, especially

• Inauguration of Mission Kochi 15-8-15

  The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurated the Mission Kochi 15-8-15 campaign of Kochi Municipal Corporation on 25th August 2014.  The new waste collection compact vehicles of the Kochi Municipal Corporation was also flagged off during the function. Public Works Minister V K Ibrahim Kunju handed over the letter of permission to the Clean Kerala

• Technical Workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

  A two day technical workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment was organized by the Kochi Municipal Corporation in association with SCMS College of Engineering and Technology on February 21st and  22nd, 2014. The technical workshop was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Mayor of Cochin Shri. Tony Chammany. The Technical workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was an eye

• AsianCitiesAdapt : Learning Exchange

  Twenty cities from all around South Asia came together in Cochin on October 30th, 2013 to learn from each other on the issue of adaptation to climate change at the AsianCitiesAdapt: Learning Exchange, co-organized by Kochi Municipal Corporation and ICLEI South Asia. The workshop, that took place on 30th-31st October 2013, gathered an impressive line-up

• MOBILITY GRID WORKSHOP – Joining the Dots….

  The city of Cochin is witnessing the great shift towards a metro city with its infrastructure boom and transport projects. With the commencement of many major projects, the focus has shifted to providing seamless and sustainable accessibility and connectivity through integration of transport systems. The challenge lies in understanding the opportunities and constraints and visualizing the

• Broadway Urban Renewal, Ernakulam Market Urban Renewal and Renewal of Pond and Waterways to the Pond

  One of the most important projects carried out by the c-hed is the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the above mentioned Broadway and Ernakulam Market Heritage Urban Renewal Project. The c-hed had been entrusted with the task of preparing the DPR of the above project by the Kochi Municipal Corporation. With the

• Master Plan preparation of Cochin City

  Under the c-hed’s initiative a national workshop on formulation of vision document and strategic plan for Cochin City with a vision period of 20 years was organized in the year 2003. The  recommendations of this seminar were the basis of the Vision Document prepared for Cochin City. On the basis of this vision document the

• JnNURM Projects

  Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission – JnNURM A massive city-modernization scheme launched by the Govt. Of India under the Ministry of Urban development, JnNURM, aims to improve the quality of life and infrastructure in the cities. This mission hugely relates to the development of the cities, aiming at creating economically productive, efficient, equitable and

• Conservation and Development Plan – for the Heritage Zone of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery

  This is one of the biggest heritage conservation projects conceived to protect the rich cultural and natural heritage of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery. The project was initiated by the c-hed and the UNESCO has given full support and assistance in the preparation of DPR for the above and the implementation of the same. The experts

• Cochin City Heritage Base Map

  The city of Cochin, well known for its rich heritage and pluralistic culture, has been influenced by various cultures and nationalities, leaving their impressions in the fields of architecture, arts, crafts, cultural and heritage institutions. Tracking and documenting of heritage footprints of a city is an important task. Documentation and listing done in this regard is of great significance

• Management of Cultural Institutions

  Cochin has a spectacular heritage of cultural expressions across many art forms and customs. The city has a secular, multicultural and diverse community. Amidst all major developments, the need for preserving, promoting and propagating the rich culture, tradition and heritage of the city is necessary. The role played by cultural institutions in this regard is

• Digitilization of Classrooms – Smart Class Room

  We are living in an age of technology where technological advances are necessary for students, teachers and schools to compete with the developed countries. With an aim to reap the maximum benefits of modern technological advancements, the city administration decided to include  the Project ” Smart Classroom” in its budget for the year 2012-2013. The c-hed had  prepared

• Disposal of used Sanitary Napkins in schools

  The proper and safe method of disposal of used sanitary napkins has been a major hurdle faced by city administrations the world over. Used sanitary feminine napkins are usually considered as residual waste, that is not compostable or recyclable and, therefore goes to dump-sites and landfills. It plays a major role in the clogging of

• Project for Evolving a System for Managing Plastic Waste in the City of Cochin

  The popularity of plastic bags has led to a dramatic increase in the amount of bags found dumped in open grounds or water bodies. Apart from dumping, another method of disposal of plastics currently in vogue in the city is burning in open heaps which releases harmful dioxins into the atmosphere. The KochiMunicipal Corporation has

• Management of Libraries under the Kochi Municipal Corporation

  The only true equalizers in the world are books; the only treasure-house open to all comers is a library; the only wealth which will not decay is knowledge; the only jewel which you carry beyond the grave is wisdom.                                                                                                                                   – J.A. Langford Libraries are heaven for students, teachers and simply to all those who

• Climate Change

  The climate is changing and the earth is warming up. Significant and lasting statistical change in distribution of weather patterns have been noticed and these changes in large are found to originate from human activities. Climate change has been recognized as a major concern for countries throughout the world, for both industrialized and developing.  c-hed

• Integrated Conservation and Development of Ernakulam Heritage Zone – Central Area

  This is one of the principal projects that the c-hed had undertaken to conserve and develop the Ernakulam Heritage Zone which is the heart of today’s City of Cochin. Most work places such as administrative and institutional centre and market places are located here. It is the central spine, identified as an area of intense

• Quality of Water and Ground Water Level

  With a rise in population the demand for water is ever increasing. The ground water resources play an important role in meeting the drinking water purpose of a large populace. But these resources needs to be managed judiciously in order to ensure adequate supplies of dependable quantity, quality of ground water. Reduction in rainfall and

• Impact of Development on Backwaters

  The costs of Kerala is bordered by 29 – backwaters running parallel to the shoreline. The water quality of these backwaters is deteriorating due to population explosion, rapid urbanization, industrialization, silting and agricultural activities. The city of Cochin has a good network of inland waterway system consisting of backwaters, canals and chain of lagoons. National

• Study on Soil Erosion and Deposition

  A leading seaport since the 14th century, Cochin is the coastal city of Kerala with multi-cultural population. Being a dynamic coastal region, city’s coastal area is prone to erosion and deposition at different locations. Many studies indicate that a major stretch of Kerala’s coast line is eroding. The coastal areas of this city are experiencing

• Dutch-Cochin Project formulation

  The commercial capital of Kerala and the cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Cochin is a mesmerizing blend of cultures. It has been the most sort after destination by sea-farmers and traders who later on settled on this enchanting land. Blessed with one of the finest natural harbors, the city of Cochin is rightly called ” The

• Built Heritage Conservation Projects

  The city of Cochin revels in being a metropolitan where diverse cultures coexist without tampering the rich history of the city. Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are historic towns brimming with tales of myriad seafaring visitors from around the world who arrived here for trade and eventually settled down on these charming lands. It is home to many

• Preservation and Conservation of Heritage Zones of the city of Cochin in association with UNESCO

  The city of Cochin and it surrounding locations has now become an important tourism destination because of its rich natural and cultural heritage. The Fort Cochin and Mattanchery placed right at the sea mouth has experienced immense trade related activities and has developed a rich pluralistic culture and tradition unique to this heritage zone. This is

• Association with Indian Heritage Cities Network (IHCN-F)

  Culture and Heritage play an important role in the sustainable development of the city. More emphasis is being laid on the conservation of cultural heritage assets, promotion of intangible heritage as the resource for achieving development objectives and protecting the natural and cultural heritage. The city of Cochin is affluent in heritage and culture  and

• Special Session towards Formation of Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) for the City of Cochin

  Though the rapid urbanization over the years has increased the number of roads, the unorganized parking, congested junctions are all causing havocs to the smooth flow of traffic. The c-hed had initiated this special session towards formation of Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority, which was attended by Hon’ble Minister Sri. K. Babu -Minister for Fisheries, Ports

• Milwaukee Sister City Program

  Although Cochin is surrounded by water, the city is still facing scarcity of clean drinking water. With Cochin’s population rising along with rapid urbanization, it is indeed an immediate priority for the city to develop the water infrastructure and management capabilities. The city of Milwaukee of Mahattil, in this regard, has a well-established fresh water

• Training Programmes for Students from National & International Universities

  The c-hed has been associating with various national and international universities over the years in imparting training to students on various subjects and providing an insight into the development and planning activities of the city of Cochin. The c-hed is into collaborations and exchange programmes with many notable academic institutions. The association with various universities and institutes across

• Association with Cardiff City

  The c-hed had coordinated the entire CLGF project between the Cardiff City and the Cochin City with an aim to strengthen Cochin’s corporate governance and leadership capacity by developing a strategic policy framework which in turn was supported by increased technical expertise in service delivery.  The partnership agreement between Cardiff Council and the Kochi Municipal Corporation

• Students Interaction & Training Programmes on Culture and Heritage

  Students are the future of a nation. The role that they play in developing a nation is huge. They are the greatest power house of information and our asset for the future. The ill-effects of globalization has led to neglect and lack of interest in Heritage among student community.  One must remember that what is

• Miami Sister City Program

  The Sister City Program aims at bringing two worlds together widening the growth options for Sister City and its residents. Studies, practices, investments can be done through the program. The need for acquiring knowledge and information regarding management of many sort-after heritage and environmental issues has led to this mutually beneficial Sister City program. This

• Environmental Master Trainers

  The c-hed had taken the lead in initiating a programme for training over 300 students from 7 different colleges in solid waste management and spreading environmental awareness. The student who successfully completed this training were awarded the  title “Environment Master Trainers”, who in turn provide training in scientific systems of waste management to other students

• Association with Lorient City

  The biennial investor summit “Emerging Kerala” organized by the Government of Kerala saw the amalgamation of business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers. During this pinnacle the French city of Lorient had inked an agreement with the city of Cochin for exchanging good urban conservation and development practices. This association will look into the

• Association with Bavaria

  The city of Cochin is a land of cultural diversity. From time immemorial, this land has attracted traders and seafarers who made Cochin their home. Today it has the most diversified society and is home to people from various ethnicity. The Bavaria-Kochi Friendship home at Mundamveli is a fine example of this cultural multiplicity. This

• Association with city of Brighton & Hove

  Rightly called the Queen of the Watering Places, the twin cities of Brighton and Hove is a city with spectacular contrast, variety and vibrancy. There is a magnetic attraction to this city. c-hed had coordinated the partnership with the twin town of Brighton and Hove in UK. As a result of which a partnership agreement

• South Indian Summer River Camp

  Rivers are important from hydrological, economic and ecological point of view. They are the very system that support the people and environment that survive on it. The river basins across globe are facing major environmental problems and the threats are mounting as days pass by. Deforestation, for urban, industrial and agricultural use; Pollution from agricultural

• Association with Pyatigorsk

  The city of Cochin has been associating with many cities across the globe in successful Sister City Relationships. A Sister City Relationship was established between the resort city of Pyatigorsk of Stavropol region of the Russian Federation and the city of Kochi of the Republic of India. As a forerunner to this association, the Hon’ble

• Cooperation with ICLD- Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy

  A non-profit organization that has been working to promote local democracy in low and middle income countries, The Swedish International Center for Local Democracy ICLD aims to alleviate poverty, mainly through promoting democracy and democratic processes at local levels. For  ICLD, local democracy principally concerns strengthening local institutions, issues regarding decentralization, local autonomy, citizen influence

• Association with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum(CLGF)

  The Commonwealth Local Government Forum(CLGF) works to promote and strengthen democratic local government across the Commonwealth and to encourage the exchange of best practice – through conferences and events, programs and projects, and research and information. Working with national and local governments, CLGF aims to support the development of democratic values and good local governance.

• Association with the Municipality of Kumla

  The Match Making Conference organized by ICLD, a part of Swedish International Development Agency, was attended by delegates from various municipalities of Sweden along with the officials and stakeholders of the Kochi Municipal Corporation. The Municipal Corporation Programme, consequent to this symposium, was initiated as the Municipalities of Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding with the

• Association with the Municipality of Harryda

  Harryda is one of the popular municipalities of Sweden having the second largest airport of the country. The city of Harryda is well known for business to locate in. A participant in the match making conference organized by ICLD, the city of Harryda has come forward to have a very special association with the city

• Association with the Municipality of Varmland

  The Match Making Conference organized by ICLD, a part of Swedish International Development Agency, was attended by delegates from various municipalities of Sweden along with the officials and stakeholders of the Kochi Municipal Corporation. The Municipal Corporation Programme, consequent to this symposium, was initiated as the Municipalities of Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding with the

• Heritage Forum

  The c-hed in association with the District Education Office, Ernakulam launched the school heritage forum at the SN Higher Secondary School, Thrikkanarvattom on August 18th, 2004. The heritage forum is intended to familiarize school children with the rich culture and heritage of the land and introduce them to the concepts of preservation, conservation and management

• Association with the Municipality of Malmo

  The third largest city (by population) of Sweden and one of the largest cities of Scandinavia, Malmo is one of the most industrialized municipalities of latter. The city has undergone a major transformation with impressive architectural developments, attracting new bio-tech and IT companies. One of the participants of the Match making conference organized by ICLD,

• Bharath Fest

  The city of Cochin is a land of cultural ethnicity and diversity.  From time immemorial, this land has attracted traders and seafarers who made Cochin their home. Today it has the most diversified society with Gujarathi, Marathi, Konkani, Bengali, Kannada, Tulu, Jewish etc. contributing substantially to Cochin’s cultural growth. Each of these traditions preserved their

• World Mayors Conference

  The developing World is undergoing rapid urbanization and much of it is due to urbanization of poverty. In order to prepare the city to face challenges of education and environment and mayors to strategize to tailor Millennium Development Goals in to local goals, a three day seminar was organized by the c-hed along with the

• Vision Document and Strategic Plan

        The harbour city of Cochin, is situated in a unique geographical location, surrounded by back waters, lakes and canals, paving way for ocean transport. This metropolitan, like every unplanned city had been facing infrastructural, functional and economic problems.         In order to overcome this scenario, the c-hed had coordinated

• Road Conclave

  The city of Cochin is widely known as the commercial and economic capital of the state of Kerala, thereby emphasizing on the need for good transport infrastructure which is critical for the city’s economy. The present road infrastructure hasn’t been able to meet the growing traffic demands and hence traffic congestion is becoming a major

• Other Major Programmes

  Seminars and Workshops National Seminar on Cultural Heritage Management Seminar Series on Renaissance Movement Seminar on Climate Changes Archives Week – Seminar and Exhibitions Seminar on the Legacies of Matriliny in Kerala Conference on Environment and Heritage in Kerala Nattarivu Samgamam Seminar and Exhibition of Sketches by Shri. Bonny Thomas Workshop on Horthus Malabaricus Seminar