Much-hyped Tourism Project of Thalassery Yet to Take off

By Vishnudas

Thalassery Fort

 The Thalassery (Kannur, Kerala) heritage circuit tourism project announced in 2010 is still in limbo. Apart from some minor works nothing has been done to take up the dream project."When it comes to tradition, heritage and topography Thalassery stands unique among other towns in Kerala and these features were expected to get a boost with the implementation of the project. Unfortunately, the project has not yet started," said K Sathyan, chairman of Thalassery tourism development cooperative limited (TTDC), a cooperative society to promote tourism in Malabar region.

St John'sEnglish Church

 "The place can definitely attract tourists from across the globe if showcased properly. The present state of the project is an example of the step-motherly attitude of the tourism department towards Malabar region," he said. "However, we are working independently to promote tourism in the region. We conduct regular tours for tourists, both domestic and foreign."The project envisages developing places like Thalassery Fort, Centenary Park, Overbury's Folly, which is a picnic spot facing the sea, St John'sEnglish Churchand its cemetery, Thalassery pier, Jawahar Ghat, Arakkal Kettu, Jagannath temple, Ezhimala Fort, Madayi Fort, Neeliyar Fort and ancient temples in the town.

Arakkal Palace

 Barring the renovation of the English Church, no major work has been taken up so far. The development of Jawahar Ghat, which could be developed as a picnic spot, is caught midway.According to the tourism department officials, lack of fund is a major roadblock. "Though the project requires over Rs 200 crore, the government has not even sanctioned 25% of the amount. The amount sanctioned by the government was spent on road development," said a DTPC official. He also said the harbor engineering department has promised to complete the work of Jawahar Ghat before the end of March. Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-30/kozhikode/36062843_1_tourism-project-road-development-tourism-department