Thanneerchal project inches towards completion.

More than three years after the foundation stone was laid for the heritage-tourism project at Thanneerchal, Irimpanam, authorities are hopeful of inaugurating the first phase in May.

The pet project of Tripunithura municipality is just 500 metres away from the Hill Palace.

Though municipal chairman R. Venugopal is optimistic of opening the first 1.75 acres of the park in May, landscaping and play area are yet to get into shape.

The structures erected in the area are minimal comprising spaces for food courts and shops.

The initial sketch suggests that the project will be developed around the lake and will replicate the architectural style of Tripunithura. A line of bamboo trees will be cultivated in front of shops and restaurants to block noise and pollution.

A drive-in restaurant outside the ticketed area is also being planned, where people will be served in their cars, said S. Gopakumar, architect of the project.

The other facilities at the park include boating facilities, a roller rink, go-karting track, an amphitheatre and play area.

Besides trampoline and climbers' wall, the play area will have the usual equipment like slides. Rubber tiles will be laid in the play area to minimise accidents and maintenance, authorities said. An add-on to the project will be a space to bring in elephants for a bath in the lake.

The whole concept would work well if the facilities are run on contracts, said Mr. Gopakumar. Maintenance is most important in such public places, he added.

The total area of Thanneerchal is more than 11 acres that includes the lake. The Tripunithura municipality has earmarked Rs. 1 crore in the recent budget towards the second phase of the project, which includes completion of the walkway of about 2.5 km around the recreational area.

The first phase of the project is expected to overshoot the initial estimate of Rs. 4.5 crore as Rs. 3.5 crore have already been spent.

THE HINDU