High hopes for Kochi heritage makeover

Two heritage zones in the Indian city of Kochi could be set to receive a major makeover as part of a conservation project - but funding issues must first be resolved.

The heritage conservation project could revive the fortunes of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in south-west India thanks to the help of an agreement between the Kochi Corporation, the Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation and the French city of Lorient.

But officials are still awaiting the green light following a delay in fund allocation by the Kerala state government. Unesco hopes the conservation project will lead to moves toward the sustainable preservation and management of the two Kochi heritage zones.

KJ Sohan, chairman of the town planning committee, said: "Though the state government has offered assistance, the fund has not yet been handed over to the corporation.

"Lorient will provide technical advice and assistance in heritage conservation projects of the city corporation."