Kannur University’s aquatic biodiversity park project to revive and conserve what was once a waterlogged area on its campus at Thavakkara here is nearing completion.
Part of the campus used to be a wetland area before they were reclaimed for various developmental activities much before the university was allotted land there for developing the campus.
The university, however, decided to revive and conserve the waterlogged area on the campus as part of the conservation initiative.
The project work, that should have been completed mid-May, is still in progress.
“The Central Public Works Department which has been contracted the works has been now directed to complete the project without further delay,” said university Registrar Balachandran Keezhoth.
The park is envisaged as facility for conserving aquatic diversity of the area and a rain harvesting system for the campus, he added.
The project being developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.72 crore includes the construction of a lake with a depth of three metres. The total area of the lake being constructed is 5,088 sq.m. It will be surrounded by a walkway with all amenities. The park is being developed on 1.25 acres near the administrative block of the campus.
Minister for Ports Kadannappally Ramachandran inaugurated the university's afforestation programme on the campus on Saturday.
In his address he said that the university aquatic park programme is a good initiative to prevent future desertification of land. He also inaugurated the World Environment Day programme on the campus.
The afforestation programme is being launched in association with voluntary organisations. University Vice-Chancellor M.K. Abdul Khader presided. Pro Vice-Chancellor P. Ashokan, Registrar Dr. Keezhoth were among those present.
