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In danger of losing ground
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Old buildings in Fort Kochi, whose lease expires in the near future, face the danger of losing their very existence. The Laurel Club is one such historical site. PRATIMA ASHER gives the details behind this
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NO.1/1.That is the number given by the Cochin civic body to the building that houses The Laurel Club, as the city's house numbering begins from this structure. This club at River Road, Fort Kochi, is affiliated to the Kerala Table Tennis Association and is housed in what is a part of the oldest Port Office in Kochi, situated near the mouth of the ancient Cochin Harbour.
The Laurel Club was formed in 1949 by several well known citizens of Cochin such as Mr. S. Koder and officials of the Cochin Port, and its premises was leased out to the club by the Cochin Port.
The Laurel Club office bearers state that this building has a history dating over 400 to 500 years and before the Port Office was moved to Willingdon Island, this structure was used as a warehouse by the port for loading and unloading goods, with the Port administration block close by.
Recently, the club has been sent a notice by the Port Trust to vacate the building on December 31, 2002. Mr. Sunny Mathew, Vice President of the club, says that for the last few years, the lease period has been reduced regularly, in the sense , that the building was leased for ten years, and then reduced to five years and finally a year, till this present notice which asks them to vacate.
The Port Trust claims that it wants the building for developmental activities. While the agreement made by the club and the Port Trust does require that the club should surrender the premise when the latter requires it, Mr. Mathew feels that the Laurel Club, with its sixty-five members, has served a need to provide many in Fort Kochi a chance to play table tennis. The club has hosted several national level tournaments over the years, with the first tournament being held in 1953 and many prominent sporting names having taken part in them. The 286.4 square metres building consists of a large hall and the tournaments are conducted here. The club will be celebrating the golden jubilee of the tournaments in 2003 and wishes that it can conduct at least this important event in the premises, in which it started.
Besides, Mr. Mathew points out in his capacity as a concerned resident of Fort Kochi, that developmental activity should not mean demolishing the club building. Many heritage structures have been destroyed as a result of developmental activities, he believes. The heritage laws, which advocate the preservation of heritage structures, have often been bent to serve vested interests. Fort Kochi may soon lose its proverbial serenity in this case, he feels. He has approached several heritage and port authorities regarding the matter he adds, and is specially worried about the fate of the Laurel Club and its premises. He also points out that the Port has several buildings in Fort Kochi and they should at least provide them with alternate premises to conduct their activities.
A number of documents dealing with the Club have been hitherto lost about 25 years ago when the club premises had been broken into, he says. But without doubt several bits of information about the building must exist.
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