Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island Latest News

Diversification of operations and the comprehensive revitalisation of Willingdon Island are essential to unlock the full potential of Cochin Port and boost revenue and employment, a seminar organised by the Cochin Port Employees Organisation (CPEO) has said recently.

About Willingdon Island

• It is a man-made island in the city of Kochi, Kerala.
• It is one of the largest man-made islands in India. 
• History: 
  • The island was created in 1936 by dredging the soil from the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala. 
  • The aim was to create a deep-water port that could accommodate large ships and vessels and to improve the trade and commerce of Kochi. 
  • The project was initiated by Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India, who also gave his name to the island.
  • Designed and created by the harbour engineer Sir Robert Bristow, it is today a massive commercial centre in Kochi.   
• Apart from its commercial significance, Willingdon Island also hosts several important institutions and facilities. 
  • The Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is headquartered here. 
  • It is also home to the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Port of Kochi.
• The island is connected to the mainland Kochi by the Venduruthy Bridge.

‹ ›

Who was Lord Willingdon (1931 – 1936)?

• He was a British administrator who served in several high offices of the British Empire. 
• Positions held in India:
  • Governor of Bombay: 1913–1918
  • Governor of Madras: 1919–1924
  • Viceroy and Governor-General of India: 1931–1936
• He served as 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1931 to 1936. 
• Major events during his tenure:
  • He succeeded Lord Irwin.
  • His tenure coincided with the Civil Disobedience Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference (1931) in London shortly after Willingdon assumed office.
  • After the failure of the conference, the Civil Disobedience Movement resumed, and the British government adopted a stricter policy toward nationalist leaders.
  • The Communal Award (1932), introduced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, was announced during his tenure.
  • The Poona Pact (1932) between Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar also took place during this period.
  • The Government of India Act, 1935, an important constitutional reform that introduced provincial autonomy, was enacted during his tenure.

News: NIE