Wed Oct 22 13:56:30 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

Kochi Land Dispute: Museum vs. Hospital Expansion Sparks Debate

KOCHI – October 22, 2025 – A disagreement has erupted between Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar and MP Hibi Eden over the future of the Kochi Corporation’s old office building and its land, now that the civic body has relocated to new headquarters.

The controversy began after a proposal surfaced to convert the old Corporation building into a museum. This idea, discussed at a Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) meeting on September 9, drew immediate opposition from the United Democratic Front, who argued that the council hadn’t approved the discussion.

MP Hibi Eden has countered this proposal by advocating that the land be given to the nearby General Hospital for expansion. He argues the building lacks significant heritage value and that allocating the land to the hospital, which is planning heart transplant surgeries and needs space for a dietary block, would benefit a wider population from Ernakulam and neighboring districts.

Mayor Anilkumar has strongly rejected this suggestion, emphasizing that the decision rests with the Corporation Council. He defended the building’s historical significance, citing a plaque honoring R.K. Shanmukham Chetty and its role as the former Ernakulam municipality office before the formation of the Kochi Corporation. He also stated that the General Hospital already has sufficient land for development, especially with the prevalence of high-rise buildings, and that focus should be given to the Government Medical College in Kalamassery.

The dispute is escalating, with Eden planning to formally appeal to the Chief Minister, the Local Self-Government Minister, and the Mayor to allocate the land to the General Hospital. The future of the Corporation’s old property remains uncertain, highlighting differing visions for the city’s development and the preservation of its history.

Read More