[AN] Projet de parc à Kerala en Inde
The communists call it a knowledge centre. But everyone else in Kerala sees the controversial Rs 250 million project for what it is - an amusement park set up by the Left.
Named ‘Vismaya Vijnana Kendram’ (knowledge centre), the park will open in April near the Parassinikadavu temple on the outskirts of this north Kerala city. The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) is the driving force behind it.
"Construction is progressing fast and we expect all work to be over by the end of next month. The park is likely to open by end-March or early April," senior CPI-M legislator MV Govindan said.
The project, billed as the first of its kind in the co-operative sector, is being built by the Malabar Tourism Cooperative Society. Funds were raised from various banks.
Govindan was secretary of the society when it decided to go ahead with the venture in 2004. The society has 500 members, all of them believed to be staunch CPI-M supporters.
The park is built in the traditional north Kerala architectural style and has an artificial lake spread over two acres. "The lake is ready and we will do rain water harvesting too," claimed Govindan.
He denied that the delay in completing the project was due to opposition by locals who were against the razing of hillocks to accommodate the park.
The naming of the park as ‘Vismaya Vijnana Kendram’ is believed to be a tactic to keep the CPI-M antagonists at bay.
"Yes, the name has been changed because this park gives more emphasis to science and education. There are lots of things in the park to arouse children's curiosity," said Govindan.
He said the park would also have a history museum and an art gallery.
Govindan, who stepped down as secretary of the Malabar Tourism Cooperative Society after he became CPI-M's Kannur district secretary, still continues to be the key decision maker in the body.
The park will add to the increasing asset base of the CPI-M, which has considerable stakes in the Kairali TV channel and owns a few hospitals, a study centre here and several buildings throughout Kerala.
Source : Times Of India
Named ‘Vismaya Vijnana Kendram’ (knowledge centre), the park will open in April near the Parassinikadavu temple on the outskirts of this north Kerala city. The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) is the driving force behind it.
"Construction is progressing fast and we expect all work to be over by the end of next month. The park is likely to open by end-March or early April," senior CPI-M legislator MV Govindan said.
The project, billed as the first of its kind in the co-operative sector, is being built by the Malabar Tourism Cooperative Society. Funds were raised from various banks.
Govindan was secretary of the society when it decided to go ahead with the venture in 2004. The society has 500 members, all of them believed to be staunch CPI-M supporters.
The park is built in the traditional north Kerala architectural style and has an artificial lake spread over two acres. "The lake is ready and we will do rain water harvesting too," claimed Govindan.
He denied that the delay in completing the project was due to opposition by locals who were against the razing of hillocks to accommodate the park.
The naming of the park as ‘Vismaya Vijnana Kendram’ is believed to be a tactic to keep the CPI-M antagonists at bay.
"Yes, the name has been changed because this park gives more emphasis to science and education. There are lots of things in the park to arouse children's curiosity," said Govindan.
He said the park would also have a history museum and an art gallery.
Govindan, who stepped down as secretary of the Malabar Tourism Cooperative Society after he became CPI-M's Kannur district secretary, still continues to be the key decision maker in the body.
The park will add to the increasing asset base of the CPI-M, which has considerable stakes in the Kairali TV channel and owns a few hospitals, a study centre here and several buildings throughout Kerala.
Source : Times Of India