The Disappearing Heritage of Fort Kochi: A Cry for Preservation

As the days go by, the chances of Fort Kochi making it to the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites seem to be fading. Concerned voices from the tourism industry reveal a disheartening reality: the historical ambiance of both Fort Kochi and Mattancherry is slowly eroding due to the failure to enforce regulations designed to protect these precious heritage sites. Despite the efforts of the Kochi Corporation, which assigned its Centre for Heritage, Environment, and Development (C-HED) to draft a heritage bylaw aimed at conserving and preserving the area’s rich legacy, the initiative has unfortunately remained confined to paperwork.

“What draws tourists to Fort Kochi?” asks K. J. Sohan, a former mayor of Kochi. “It’s the rich heritage—the historical buildings, the cobbled streets, the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and the myriad structures that echo stories from the past. This place has witnessed the confluence of multiple cultures, cuisines, and architectural styles. But all of that is slowly fading away due to the rampant violation of heritage protection rules. And why? To satisfy the greed of a few corrupt officials and politicians?”

Heritage Rules: Ignored and Neglected

The regulations are clear: any new construction within a heritage zone must adhere to specific guidelines. As Sohan points out, “The building plans need to be approved by Town Planning before being greenlit by the Heritage Commission. This process is standard in other districts with heritage sites. So why is it not being followed in Fort Kochi? This needs to be urgently addressed.”

The bending of rules is not limited to private individuals but extends to government entities as well, according to tourism expert Jose Dominic. “It’s not just private interests at fault here; the state government shares the blame. Some of the unsightly buildings cropping up in Fort Kochi are intended to house government departments. Take, for instance, the five-story structure being erected right in the heart of the Fort Kochi Heritage Zone, near the Bishop’s House,” Dominic points out.

Another glaring example is the Coast Guard building and the much-publicized boat jetty for the Kochi Water Metro. While improving water transport is necessary and could enhance the ease with which tourists navigate the area, Dominic questions whether such developments should come at the expense of the site’s heritage value. “Why does a modern shopping complex need to be placed in a prime heritage spot in Fort Kochi? These modern constructions are diminishing the historical appeal of the area,” he laments.

Heritage: The Heartbeat of Fort Kochi

Heritage is the very essence of what makes Fort Kochi and Mattancherry so appealing to visitors, says Johann Kuruvilla, founder of the Kochi Heritage Project. “If these places lose their heritage charm, the flow of tourists will inevitably dry up. While other countries with similar histories and climates are making concerted efforts to conserve their heritage, our officials appear indifferent to our legacy,” he asserts.

Kuruvilla highlights the plight of the Chinese fishing nets as a symbol of the broader neglect. “I’ve watched wooden poles, procured for the renovation of these nets, rot away for the past five years. Funds were allocated for the project, but they’ve gone unused,” he adds. The neglect extends to the area’s buildings as well, with Kuruvilla noting that nearly every other day, another old structure collapses. “Just last month, a 200-year-old building crumbled. But do the authorities care? It certainly doesn’t seem so!” he exclaims.

The Perils of Modernization: Unscientific Development

Adding to the woes of Fort Kochi’s heritage is the ill-conceived and poorly executed projects by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML). Sohan criticizes the unscientific methods used in these so-called beautification efforts. “The cobblestones and cast-iron street lamps are integral to the identity of this heritage site. Yet, contractors have ripped out the cobblestones, which were brought in from the Netherlands and Portugal, as part of their modernization efforts. The destruction of heritage is happening right under our noses,” he warns.

Unless the state government steps in and takes decisive action, Fort Kochi’s old-world charm will soon be nothing more than a distant memory. The rich tapestry of history that once drew visitors from around the world is at risk of unraveling, one ignored regulation and unscientific project at a time.

Conclusion: A Call to Preserve Fort Kochi's Legacy

Fort Kochi stands at a critical juncture. The area’s rich heritage is not just a matter of local pride but a significant draw for tourists from around the world. The erosion of this heritage due to neglected regulations and poorly planned modernization efforts is not only disheartening but threatens the very identity of Fort Kochi. As stakeholders, from former mayors to tourism experts, raise their voices in concern, it is imperative that both local and state authorities listen and take immediate action. The time to act is now if we are to preserve the legacy of Fort Kochi for future generations.