Nedumbassery: Four hectares of forest land on the western periphery of the airport here is set to get a facelift with the completion of a biodiversity park, Suvarnodhyanam, in January.
Forest Minister Benoy Viswom, who, along with a team of officials, inspected the area on Sunday, said the major eco-tourism spot would be thrown open to visitors on Republic Day.
The park would have basic facilities and the surrounding ecosystem would be toned up.
The park has been included in the annual plan for 2010-11 and the Forest Department has been taking up works for eco-friendly tourism.
Artistically designed plants and trees, including canes and bamboos, will provide a green canopy to the park. A butterfly park and natural and artificial waterbodies will be developed. Two huts will be erected using natural materials. An inspection bungalow and a plant nursery will come up.
The authorities are proposing an entry fee to be spent on forest conservation.The Forest Department received the land from Cochin International Airport Ltd. in return for two hectares near the Thattekkadu forest division.
Combined with a golf course set among the panoramic background of the Western Ghats, the area is expected to be a big draw not merely for domestic tourists but also for foreigners using the airport.
Source: The Hindu, 15-11-2010
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