Thomas, Ag. C.J.

A scheme has been formulated for linking the main 1 and of Cochin with a few of the Islands in the archipelago situated beyond the western backwaters. A body has been constituted for its implementation. The name of the said body is "Goshree Island Development Authority" (its acronym is 'GIDA'). The scheme involves construction of bridges connecting those islands with the main land - Ernakulam. It also envisages reclamation of an area of 362 hectares in the Vembanad lake abutting the Arabian sea, The cost estimated for this major scheme is roughly 328 crores of rupees. Propounders of GIDA were initially-enthusiastic in implementation of the scheme. But such/ activities had to be slow pedaled when the public interest litigation was launched at the instance of a society registered claiming itself to be interested in the social welfare of general public. The Original Petition filed by them for a writ of prohibition restraining the authorities to stop the project for reclamation and construction of bridges was dismissed by a learned single judge of this Court against which the Institute ill ed this Writ Appeal.

A Division Bench which heard the Writ Appeal earl