Wind park taking shape for tourists

In a bid to tap the tourism potential of Chembakassery, the Pattanakkad panchayat will set up a wind park in the village. It is part of the agri-tourism project.

The local body plans to commence the work on the project by the end of this month, with an aim to open it to public by August. The park will be constructed close to the Chembakassery paddy fields on the Padmakshi Kavala-Andhakaranazhi road. Officials said it would be set up as an elderly- and youth-friendly park to attract tourists.

Tenders awarded

Tenders have already been awarded for constructing benches, swings, lights, and other related works. Cleaning of the place, gardening, and landscaping will be done by Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers.

“The place is known for cool breeze, especially during evenings. Other than a leisure place for tourists and villagers, the park will aid the village economy,” said an official. The panchayat has allotted ₹4.90 lakh for initial phase of the work.

Officials said the vast paddy fields was the main attraction of Chembakassery and the local body would help revive paddy cultivation in the area.

“The paddy fields near the proposed wind park are under private ownership. Due to intrusion of saline water, farmers have abandoned cultivation. The panchayat will take steps to prevent intrusion of water from the sea along with initiating measures to revive paddy cultivation. This will be an added attraction,” said an official.