10 acres, is in the final stages of completion. It will be inaugurated by Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran on April 23.
Originally, the land was acquired for the Pazhassi irrigation project, but was later handed over to the Social Forestry division of the Forest Department. A park was established in 1988 on the land. However, without much maintenance, it fell into ruins.
Payam panchayat president P. Rajani said that realising that the area can attract tourists, the park was developed with the support of the people. A nine-member Janakiya Samithi headed by the Forest section officer as its secretary was formed and was undertaking the work here, she said.
A large portion of the land is covered by huge trees, while the rest of the place has been developed as a park. It will have a small garden, side pathways, seating arrangements for visitors, a playground for children, a cafeteria and toilets, she said, and added that it has been proposed to set up an open auditorium, butterfly park, fish pond, and other facilities.
The panchayat has submitted a ₹2.40-crore project report to be sanctioned by the Forest Department, which will help to develop the park. The panchayat has also proposed investing ₹10 lakh for the developmental activities here, she said. Now, the facilities are being developed with the funds collected from the people, she said.
Earlier, there was a proposal to develop the area as an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre, but the plan was later dropped.
