The first model project in urban land utilisation in Kerala has got underway in Kochi with the KIIFCON issuing tenders for the selection of consultants to prepare a special area plan (SAP) for the city. KIIFCON is the project implementation committee of the scheme. The SAP is being prepared for Kochi as part of the urban sustainable land reconstitution project, which aims to create a model for climate-resilient, inclusive urban growth. The project seeks to address urban saturation by unlocking underutilised or mismanaged land parcels.

The project area spans approximately 1,299.19 hectares, extending from Marine Drive and Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in the south to Cheranallore Grama Panchayat in the north, and includes Vaduthala, Pachalam, and Mulavukkad island across the backwaters. This region encompasses dry lands, wetlands, water bodies, CRZ zones, and ecologically sensitive habitats, governed by the Kochi Municipal Corporation (KMC), Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA), and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), according to the project document.

The project aims to undertake a comprehensive assessment of existing land use to identify strategic pockets for intervention through detailed socio-spatial analysis and social engineering. "It will evaluate the feasibility of implementing nature-based solutions or land reconstitution strategies based on social acceptance and financial viability," the document notes.

Optimised land utilisation, mixed-use development, improved mobility, and ecological restoration are the key objectives of the project. The SAP  will define the planning and implementation framework for the area, including phasing strategies, with each proposed phase covering a minimum of 200 hectares (including both land and water bodies). The work will align with local statutory norms, address climatic vulnerabilities such as urban heat islands and flooding, and ensure equitable access to infrastructure, green spaces, and public amenities.