The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Centre’s nod for tourism projects

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 03, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Centre’s nod for tourism projects

S. Anil Radhakrishnan

Pathiramanal biopark to be developed

Projects to cost
Rs.10.61 crore
Rs.3.61 crore for Kodungalloor heritage project

Thiruvananthapuram: Developing a heritage tourism circuit at Kodungalloor and destination development of the Pathiramanal biopark and Wayanad figure in Rs.10.61-crore tourism projects cleared by the Union Ministry of Tourism for Kerala.

Among the three projects, the highest amount of Rs.4.99 crore has been allocated for the development of the Pathiramanal biopark. The proposed Kodungalloor heritage tourism circuit will get Rs.3.61 crore and destination development of Wayanad, Rs.2.01crore.

Official sources said that Kerala Tourism would execute the works sanctioned under the Capital Outlay on Tourism. A monitoring committee with an official from the Union Ministry of Tourism will monitor the physical and financial progress of the projects.

Works to develop the main land at Kaipuram and to make improvements on the Pathiramanal island are to be taken up under the destination development. Improvement of the road from Kaipuram Junction to the main land, construction of a gateway arch, aquarium and museum block, boat terminal and boat jetty, and landscaping will be taken up.

On Pathiramanal island, development of central and peripheral walkways, a freshwater pond, major canals and a floating restaurant, as well as rejuvenation of minor canals and small ponds, will be taken up along with the development of a grove for local people.

Establishment of a butterfly garden and bird watching facility, developing an integrated management action plan for mangroves, and development of a fish sanctuary and fish park will be taken up as part of promoting ecotourism. Official sources said Rs.4 crore has been released.

Patanam archaeological park, Chennamangalam monuments, Kottapuram fort and Cheraman Parambu are the major components of the Kodungalloor heritage tourism circuit. Of the Rs.3.61 crore for the project, 80 per cent of the cost — Rs.2.89 crore — has been released.

Construction of an exhibition gallery, tourist information centre, interpretation centre, landscaping, student’s workshop, lighting and construction of a boat jetty at Kottapuram fort will be taken up. Under the Wayanad destination development project, construction of a counter, pavilion, reception, office, lobby, multi-media hall, crafts bazaar and amphitheatre will be taken up. Of the Rs.2.01 crore estimated for the project, Rs.1.61 crore has been sanctioned by the Union government.

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