Kannur University park to preserve aquatic life

KANNUR: The Kannur University will set up an aquatic biodiversity park  at a cost of  Rs 1.72 crore  on its main campus in  Kannur city  to preserve the aquatic life in  the area. 

The lake to be constructed in the  park will have three-metre depth and 5,088 square-metre area.

It  will be surrounded by a walkway and equipped with other amenities.

The university is planning to provide habitat for aquatic organisms like Indian star tortoise, star fish etc which are facing extinction.

The central PWD has already started the construction of the park in nearly 1.25- acre natural wetland area near the administrative block of the campus.

Kannur University Vice-Chancellor Dr M.K. Abdul Khader said that the construction of the lake will not affect the natural environment of the wetland.  The lake bed  will be kept as it is without any major changes.

“We have envisaged a lake which can house the aquatic organisms,  including fishes, from our area which are facing extinction. We also wanted to regain the rich biodiversity of  this area. We can also use this park as a rain water harvesting system for our campus,” he said.  

The park will also ensure year-round water availability in the water sources in nearby areas.

The university is planning to complete the work before monsoon. The lake is coming up in ‘cashew nut’ shape with a bridge connecting both ends.

The university hopes that the park can also be used for research purpose for the university departments.