The Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council is all set to kick-start work on three projects worth over Rs.5.50 crore.The
first is to revitalise the ‘Triveni Sangamam' project in Muvattupuzha,
which is expected to cost Rs.2.47 crore in the first phase. The main
components are 500-m-long walkways on either side of the river,
retaining walls to reinforce the banks and the construction of a view
point on the shore.
Expected in phase two is a
second walkway, a pedestrian bridge (a hanging bridge) linking either
side of the river and a track that would link the walkway with the park
maintained by the municipality. This would provide a total of 1 km of
walkway. The beautification of Panampilly Nagar
mooted a few months ago is all set to get a boost with Benny Behanan,
MLA, taking it up with Kerala Tourism's working group.
Model street
“Here,
landscaped walkways would be constructed in between the main and
service road of the residential colony, on either side. Our aim is to
make it a model street since most people do not have an idea of how to
optimally use space to green up the precincts. Canopy trees, lights and
benches too are included in the project,” said T.N. Jayasankar, the DTPC
secretary.
The Rs.1.17 crore project would cover
the stretch from Manorama Junction to Passport Office Junction.
Residents' associations are expected to pool in with help in maintaining
the walkway.
The council's third project is the
development of Kurisumala in Elanji panchayat, located in the
Ernakulam-Kottayam border. “Our plan is to initiate schemes to develop
the pilgrim centre into a hill station. An amount of Rs.2 crore would be
set apart for phase one of development works. This includes road
accessibility and construction of a view point,” Mr. Jayasankar said.
The initiative came from Jose K Mani, MP.
Better salaries
Aimed
at making the agency the first ISO-certified DTPC in Kerala, steps were
taken to augment the income from food kiosks and other amenities leased
out to private parties. This would be used to pay better salaries and
productivity-linked incentives to employees. A uniform is on the anvil
for all of them. “The DTPC could ensure the beginning of projects worth
Rs.8 crore during the past 8 months, by prompt follow-up of projects,”
Mr Jayasankar said.
The agency's ongoing projects
include the renovation of the Durbar Hall Ground and augmenting of
amenities like tourist help desk, kiosks, parking area and toilets at
Kuzhipilly Beach.
Pilgrim centre
A
three-storied pilgrim centre would be built at Chottanikkara for Rs.72
lakh, aimed at providing dormitories for pilgrims who visit the temple
town and those on the way to Sabarimala.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3334996.ece
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