THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as state govt is planning to take over land from SmartCity Kochi further expansion of Infopark, it remains mum on taking back around 61 acres lying idle in Technopark Phase-III and allotted to various companies much earlier. None of these companies have started operations yet on these land parcels.
Principal secretary (industries) APM Mohammed Hanish told TOI that the industries department will hold a detailed consultation with the IT department soon to decide on the underutilized land in Phase III. “We will discuss with IT department to ensure that all vacant lands are utilized properly. Since this issue is under IT department, they have to make the final decision. However, we will intervene,” Hanish said.
Experts suggest that state govt take back the land from Technopark immediately, and hand it over to companies that develop IT space. Though many IT companies have queued up for space in Technopark Phase I, authorities have been unable to provide it so far.
The land was originally allocated to various IT companies on lease 12 years ago to commence the construction of their campuses and IT buildings.
“We can’t let this land lie idle for long, as there is a huge demand for IT space in the capital, especially in Technopark Phase III. So either IT companies should start their work soon, or Technopark should take measures to take back the land from the companies. There is a clause in the agreement that Technopark can take back the land if tenants are not interested. Two companies surrendered their land to Technopark. However, state govt is currently focusing on development of Technopark Phase IV. Probably that’s why land in Phase III is idle,” said KC Chandrasekharan Nair, co-founder and former chief financial officer of Technopark.
Earlier, there was a policy that if companies didn’t start construction on allocated land within three years, Technopark was bound to take it back. However, this is not being followed now, leading to this situation.
According to companies allotted land parcels, they couldn’t start construction as some govt departments denied permission, saying it was wetland or unconverted paddy field. As per govt records, the entire land parcel within Technopark Phase III was classified as paddy land, and its conversion is allowed subject to certain conditions.
As per Technopark’s website, 153 companies are seeking space to start operations in Phase III alone. Of these, some companies applied in 2016. Meanwhile, when contacted, Technopark authorities declined to comment.
