Fri Jan 02 17:51:09 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

A controversy erupted in Kozhikode after the Kozhikode Corporation issued, then seemingly rescinded, a stop memo to a convention center near the Sarovaram Biopark. The initial memo, based on complaints of unauthorized construction and lack of proper licenses, threatened to halt a New Year’s program. However, the convention center obtained the required PPR license hours before the event, rendering the stop memo invalid. A local environmental group, Sarovaram Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, is protesting the Corporation’s decision, arguing the building is unauthorized and built on a wetland fill. The Corporation defends its actions, stating they were obligated to issue the license once other necessary clearances were in place. The environmental group plans to raise the issue with the High Court.

News Article:

Kozhikode Convention Center Sparks Controversy After Last-Minute License Granted

Kozhikode, India – January 2, 2026 – Tensions are high in Kozhikode following a dispute surrounding a New Year’s program at a convention center near the Sarovaram Biopark. The Kozhikode Corporation initially issued a stop memo to the convention center on December 30th, citing complaints of unauthorized construction and failure to obtain a required license under the Kerala Places of Public Resort Rules (PPR).

The Sarovaram Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, a local environmental group, filed the complaint, alleging the building was illegally constructed on a filled wetland and that the event organizers had not secured the necessary permissions.

However, the convention center management swiftly obtained the PPR license, reportedly just hours before the New Year’s program was scheduled to begin. This effectively nullified the stop memo and allowed the event to proceed.

“The Corporation should not have issued the license, given the unauthorized nature of the building and its construction on a wetland fill,” stated Ajay Lal K., president of Sarovaram Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi. The group claims the convention center management is misrepresenting a Kerala High Court ruling to justify the events.

Kozhikode Corporation secretary K.U. Bini defended the decision, stating that the Corporation was obligated to issue the license after the convention center provided clearances from the Fire and Rescue Services department and the State Pollution Control Board. “The program was held within a closed space and did not disturb the public, which provided a sufficient basis for the issuing of the license,” she explained.

The Sarovaram Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi plans to raise the issue before the High Court at the next hearing scheduled for January 5th. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about unauthorized construction and environmental regulations in the Kozhikode area.

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