Old tea godown threatens Fort Kochi boat jetty; SWTD seeks its demolition

The jetty was reopened to the public just a couple of months ago following a ₹80-lakh renovation

- Krishna Kumar K E @Kochi

AN old godown building, in dilapidated condition, is threatening the Fort Kochi customs boat jetty, which is relied on by hundreds of commuters and tourists.

In fact, a portion of the large building has already caved in, damaging the ceiling of the walkway of the boat jetty, which was reopened to the public just a couple of months ago following a ₹80-lakh renovation.

The 'Imperial' building, owned by a Willingdon Island-based export company engaged in tea packaging, used to exhibit artwork during the Kochi Biennale. But now, it's mostly employed as a godown. Constructed using stones and mud bricks, it has the height of a two-storey building.