The Hindu : Front Page : Muziris Heritage Project launch by month-end

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Wednesday, Aug 04, 2010
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Muziris Heritage Project launch by month-end

Correspondent

23 historic monuments in Ernakulam district to be renovated

The government has ordered acquiring land on a fast track basis
Primary phase to include setting up of signage, walkways, landscaping and toilet blocks

Nedumbassery: As many as 23 historic monuments in Ernakulam district of Kerala, identified as part of the Muziris Heritage Project (MHP), are set for renovation and conservation in Phase-I of the Rs.140-crore mission for retrieving and showcasing the legacy of the ancient port town.

Briefing journalists on the progress of the MHP in the district on Tuesday, State Fisheries Minister S. Sarma announced that the opening phase of the project, covering a period of three months, would be launched later this month.

Memorial identification

Identification of memorials was on at a fast pace and the government was holding discussions with the governing bodies of such institutions for carrying out related developments.

Renovation works on the Paliyam Palace, Nalukettu and the Synagogue in Chendamangalam were progressing well and scheduled to be completed by November end, the Minister said.

The government had issued an order for acquiring land on a fast track basis and efforts were on to acquire land for constructing a maritime museum, fisheries museum and the P. Kesavadev museum, along with the Jewish houses in the area, also exhibiting the cultural identity of each locality.

The primary phase would also cover development of infrastructure, including the setting up of signage, walkways, landscaping and toilet blocks, among other things.

Tender for upgrading the markets in Paravur and Kottappuram and for constructing roads connecting the heritage spots in the district had begun. About 14 boat jetties would be constructed under the canal renovation project, along with the strengthening of the sidewalls of the jetties.

The MHP is proposed to be completed in three phases, also by ensuring the participation of the local self-governments, government departments and institutions.

Green signal

The State government had given the green signal for the Rs.140-crore proposal for the Muziris Cultural Heritage Conservation.

It has agreed to expend about Rs.100 crore for the project.

Spread over an area of eight gram-panchayats and two municipalities in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, the heritage sites in the MHP include the Kottappuram fort, the synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Pallipuram Kotta, the Vypikotta seminary, freedom fighter Abdul Rahiman Sahib's house, the Kottayil Kovilakam, the Kodungallur Bhagavathi temple, the Cheraman Juma Masjid, the Cheraman Parambu, the Thiruvanchsikulam Mahadeva temple, the Keezhthali siva temple, and the old research centres at Pattanam and Kottappuram.

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