First phase of Bio-Park to be opened

Kozhikode: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate the first phase of the Sarovaram Bio-Park.

A. Pradeep Kumar and P.M.A. Salam, MLAs, told reporters that the Rs.3-crore first phase project that included a canal walkway, main gate, open air theatre and a boat club would be opened to the public on Sunday.

The first phase was completely funded by the State government.

The project area, nearly 200 acres in Kottuli in the city and in Nedungotoor village, is rich in bio-diversity. The Bio-Park project, being implemented in three phases, would cost a total of Rs.17.5 crore.

The work, with technical assistance from KITCO, was being supervised by Tourism Resorts (Kerala) Limited. Tenders were invited for operating boats in the project area.

The Rs.9.45-crore second phase would include a sewerage plant, parking area, ticket counters, information centre, cafeteria, musical foundation, children’s park, handicrafts village, water museum, otter park, aquarium, butterfly park, battery-operated boats, kiosks, walkway to birds park, coracles, floating rafts, observation tower and a cultural village.

A Rs.5-crore project for this phase had been submitted to the Centre, they pointed out.

The third phase would include a bird sanctuary, walkways and meadows.

The walkways on either side of the Canoli Canal were laid with inter-locking cable stone up to nearly 500 metres and seats, meadows and lights were provided.

The open air theatre could accommodate nearly 1,200 persons.

Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan would preside over the function.

Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran would inaugurate the boat club.

Industries Minister Elamaram Karim would inaugurate the open air theatre and Forest Minister Benoy Viswom would inaugurate the walkway.