The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Putherikandam to get a facelift

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Monday, Jul 28, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Putherikandam to get a facelift

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The City Corporation is clearing the decks for a project to beautify the Putherikandam Maidan at East Fort and convert the sprawling grounds into a green lung. The project is expected to take off after the Onam festival season.

Corporation sources said the process of awarding tenders for the work would commence soon. The estimate for the project was being revised to accommodate the new Public Works Department schedule.

Deputy Mayor V. Jayaprakash told The Hindu that the State-level technical committee was expected to clear the project soon. Apart from its own fund, he said, the Corporation is expecting assistance from the Tourism Department and the Union government.

The blueprint under the consideration of the Corporation proposes redesigning the grounds along a central axis linking the main entrance to an open-air theatre at the Power House side.

The Quit India Gate at the entrance would be demolished to make way for a structure reflecting the architecture of East Fort.

Under the proposal, the maidan is to be fenced and a walkway constructed along the boundary. The premises will be greened with trees and flowering plants.

The central portion of the 4-acre maidan will be maintained as an open ground with a fine-sand surface.

The big stage at the eastern end will be provided with provision for parking of VIP vehicles.

An emergency exit and a separate parking lot will be provided for fire tenders.

The designers have included a proposal to create a green canopy all around the premises with indigenous species of trees and creepers. A medicinal plant garden is another highlight.

The design also incorporates a rainwater harvesting system using a network of underground pipes to direct storm-water run-off to a large pond located at the northeast corner of the grounds.

A walkway near the main entrance at Pazhavangadi will be provided with steps, enabling it to be used as a gallery for spectators. The central portion of the walkway will have a raised platform, which can double up as a ticket counter for major events such as exhibitions held in the main ground.

Priority project

Corporation officials said the beautification of the maidan would be taken up as a priority project designed to give a facelift to the city.

A spokesman for the project designers said the stage would be designed to host major entertainment events drawing large crowds.

“Unlike the Gandhi Park, which was designed as a recreation centre, the renovation of the Putharikandam Maidan will focus on retaining the open grounds. The idea is to beautify the premises and improve basic facilities for large public gatherings,” a senior Corporation functionary said.

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