THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second phase of the development of Akkulam tourism village has been flagged off and the hope is that this once loved tourist spot will be a preferred hangout again. The works were inaugurated by Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran. A digital musical fountain which can play up to 48 different tracks will come up here. There will be a cricket bowling pitch, amphitheatre in the park and sculptures. The existing swimming pool will be developed into a state of the art aquatic facility and artificial fountains here will get a facelift. The small pool here will be turned into a paddle pool with coracles. A restaurant also was being planned here near a cycle track built close to Akkulam lake.
The once well landscaped tourist village has been in a shambles for the last six years. The spot was bereft of tourists after the adjacent lake experienced unnatural growth of weeds due to pollution. The first phase of development was completed recently. This involved mostly creation of mandaps, installation of park chairs and painting. After the new upgradation, CCTVs will be set up around Akkulam tourist village and tourism policemen will be deployed here, the minister said. Tourism department officials also hope to resume the boat service once cleaning of the Akkulam lake is completed.
