Kozhikode Corporation re-adopts Central Market demolition resolution
The Kozhikode Corporation Council has once again approved a resolution to demolish the existing Central Fish Market building and proceed with redevelopment, after the civic body failed to forward a similar decision taken in 2025 to the State government for mandatory approval.
Background: 2025 resolution not communicated
The council had originally passed a resolution to raze and rebuild the Central Fish Market at its ordinary meeting on July 15, 2025. However, the civic administration did not communicate that decision to the State government. Such approval is required because the building, though old, is not officially categorised as dilapidated, a condition that would otherwise have allowed the local body to proceed without additional clearances.
Fresh approval at special meeting
To rectify the lapse, the matter was brought back before a special meeting of the Corporation Council chaired by Mayor O. Sadasivan on Friday, October 16, and passed again. During the discussion, Congress councillor Viswanathan Puthussery questioned the need to reintroduce an agenda item that had already been cleared by the council the previous year.
Superintending engineer K.N. Bijoy clarified that the proceedings recorded in 2025 had only ratified an advance approval to forward the project valuation to the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation, and did not capture a clear decision seeking State government permission for demolition and redevelopment. The renewed resolution, he indicated, was intended to ensure there is no ambiguity when the proposal goes before the government.
Concerns over building classification and approvals
Leader of the Opposition in the council, S.V. Mohammed Shameel Thangal of the United Democratic Front (UDF), cautioned that the agenda’s description of the building as “non-dilapidated” could complicate efforts to secure State approval. In response, Mr. Bijoy noted that the structure, constructed in 2002, had an estimated lifespan of only 30 to 35 years, implying the need for timely redevelopment even if it does not meet the formal threshold for being deemed dilapidated.
Funding urgency and political interventions
Highlighting the risk of delays, BJP councillor T. Raneesh warned that the ₹55.17-crore funding sanctioned for the project could be jeopardised if the corporation did not move quickly. Mayor Sadasivan told the council that steps were being taken to expedite the process and that the local MLA had intervened to help ensure the funds are retained for the project’s execution.
Legal status and trader rehabilitation
Responding to a query from Indian Union Muslim League councillor T.P.M. Jishan regarding a court stay previously obtained by some traders against the redevelopment, the Mayor said there is no stay in force at present, clearing a key procedural hurdle.
On rehabilitation, Mr. Sadasivan added that current traders operating in the market who have outstanding rent arrears would also be considered for rehabilitation, provided they settle their dues.
Additional council decisions
Apart from the market redevelopment decision, the council approved measures related to the Nirmalam cleanliness campaign, continuing its focus on sanitation and public health initiatives in the city.
What’s next
With the resolution re-adopted, the corporation aims to advance the approval process with the State government and safeguard the sanctioned funding, while addressing concerns raised within the council over building classification and ensuring rehabilitation provisions for eligible traders. The council leadership has indicated that efforts are under way to prevent further delays.
