Housing scheme for Naval officers launched

Kochi, Jul 26: A Rs 31.50 crore housing scheme for Naval officers was launched here today in the presence of Vice-Admiral S C S Bangara, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

The housing scheme, under the 'Married Accommodation Project' (MAP) for the armed forces personnel, formally got underway with the unveiling of the foundation stone by Lieutenant Anup Cherian, the junior-most married naval officer posted at Kochi.

A total of 99 houses for officers will be completed in 18 months at an approximate cost of Rs 31.50 crore, a Naval spokesman said.

The 'MAP' was conceived in 2001 to make good deficient married accommodation in the three services as a one-time measure at an approximate cost of RS 18,000 crore.

Nearly 250,000 dwelling units, coverning 364 stations, are to come up in three phases.

Kochi, which is one of the six naval stations included in phase I of the project, will see 452 houses being constructed, 99 for officers at Panampilly Nagar and 353 for sailors at Fort Kochi, at an approximate cost of Rs 77 crore.

UNI