Kozhikode
A mention in the recent budget of Kozhikode Corporation regarding the Eravathu Kunnu park has drawn flak from the Opposition, who termed it an unrealistic proposition. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafir Ahamed, in his budget speech, had mentioned that the corporation would develop a master plan for the development of Eravathu Kunnu at Govindapuram, and that efforts would be made to convert it into a national park.
Considering that National Parks are natural forests spread over kilometres of virgin land, often given that status to protect the biodiversity there, the declaration that Eravathu Kunnu, which is spread over 5 acres in the middle of the city with a man-made cap of greenery, could be a national park came as a confusing statement.
However, the Opposition was more concerned about the development plans for Eravathu Kunnu remaining on paper and years of neglect. Kavitha Arun, councillor of Kommeri ward, where the Eravathu Kunnu Park is located, pointed out at the budget discussion session that the corporation could not provide even water and electricity to the park so far.
Eravathu Kunnu, a small hillock at Govindapuram, is a scenic location with a green canopy and a panoramic view of the sunset in the evening. A Mango Park and the V.K. Krishna Menon Smrithi Vanam, in memory of former Defence Minister of the country, who hailed from Kozhikode, are located on this hillock which partly houses a Kendriya Vidyalaya.
The previous council of the corporation had constructed Haimavati Square, an area dedicated to former Mayor Haimavati Thayat, inside the Smrithi Vanam. It consists of an open gymnasium and a stage. However, the entry to these facilities is yet to be open to the public.
“The corporation spent ₹1.30 crore to set up the Haimavati Square. But it has not been opened and the corporation is unable to make any revenue from it. It is not even maintained, and hence, has become a haven for anti-social elements such as drug dealers”, Ms. Kavita said.
A recently formed residents’ committee had taken up the upkeep of the park voluntarily. “There have been several plans for the park over the years and several projects have been declared. But they are only declarations; funds are rarely sanctioned for the purpose”, she said.
There were plans for a ropeway, a sight-seeing gallery and a butterfly park at the Smruthi Vanam. Ms. Kavita said that the area had great tourism potential if developed properly.
The Deputy Mayor said that the term ‘national park’ was loosely used to indicate a park that is noticeable nationally for the facilities that it would offer, and not the tag of a National Park as it is commonly used. The corporation is yet to formulate a plan for the development of Eravathu Kunnu.
