Akkulam Tourist Village to reopen soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Akkulam Tourist Village, which has been closed since September 2012, will be reopened to public before Onam, thus reclaiming yet another recreational spot for city dwellers, said Minister Kadakampally Surendran. However, around 2.35 lakh cubic meter of soil is yet to be removed from Akkulam Lake and boating, which was the prime attraction of the area, is a long way from becoming reality.  

The government has gone a step ahead and decide to inaugurate the construction of a business park on the 2.5 acre here, he said. “Both Akkulam and Veli villages that were remaining in shambles will be reopened for public before Onam (September) and officials were instructed to ensure this. A music park and children’s park will open at Veli also,” Mr Surendran said.

A new cycle track has been completed near Akkulam by district officials who plan food counters beside the stretch. CCTVs will be installed around the tourist village and tourism policemen will be deployed here, he said. Around six years have passed after the commencement of dredging at Akkulam Lake but the company which was awarded the work has not been able clear weed and mud out the 50 hectare lake completely. The decision was taken in the meeting that also included Tourism director U.V. Jose.