The long-pending ₹2.5-crore project for the renovation of Mananchira Square was launched in Kozhikode on Monday. The project, which was envisaged along with the renovation of S.M. Street a year ago, was delayed owing to technical reasons.
The renovation is being carried out by the Department of Tourism along with the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation. The department has sanctioned ₹1.7 crore for the project, while the corporation has set aside ₹80 lakh under the Amrut scheme.
The work to be undertaken includes construction of an open air stage, walkway, rain shelter, new lamp posts, toilet blocks, renovation of compound wall, entry gate, and landscaping.
The project was designed by architect R.K. Ramesh, while Uralungal Labour Contractors Cooperative Society (ULCCS) will undertake the work which is expected to be completed in four months.
Mayor Thottathil Raveendran launched the project in the presence of MLA M.K. Muneer and District Collector U.V. Jose.
The dilapidated state of Mananchira Square, which is more than 25 years old, has been in the news of late. The damaged compound wall, broken statues at Ansari Park, and the dysfunctional fountains had taken the sheen out of the park in the heart of the city.
