THRISSUR:
The first phase of construction for a Nature Park at Vanchikulam, which would be developed as the city hub, will be inaugurated here by Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Cooperation and Devaswoms, on May 28.
The first phase of construction is being taken up on an outlay of Rs 6 crore. Of this, the Thrissur Corporation will contribute Rs 2 crore, while the Department of Tourism has earmarked an amount of Rs 3 crore and the Amrit Project Rs 1 crore. The construction has been entrusted with the Nirmithi Kendra.
The blueprint for the project that was prepared by DD Architects had been approved by the Thrissur Corporation and the Tourism Department earlier. Vanchikulam, which used to be the commercial hub of the city once upon a time, had fallen into a bad phase over the past few years. With the development plan for Vanchikulam now being taken up, it is expected that the glory of the erstwhile commercial hub will be back. The development of the Nature Park will add to the city’s pride.
As part of the Vanchikulam Nature Park project, it is being planned to construct an illuminated walkway, cycling track, and boating facilities. These will be part of the first phase of development and will be completed in a year’s time. The Nature Park will be eco-friendly with solar energy being deployed to power the lamps. The park will also have facilities for exhibiting historical archives and art creations.
The existing pavilion building will be renovated to include more facilities. The boat deck building will also get a makeover with the inclusion of a ticket counter and restaurant. The pond in the area will also be beautified by building steps, a garden and a walkway around it. A cycling track and garden along the canal and a steel bridge across it are also being planned. Benches along the canal and around the pond will also be brought in. The first phase of the project will ensure completion of the setting up of an effective waste management system, and the solar and electrical works.
