Lokanarkavu pilgrimage tourism project close to becoming a reality after 12-year-long wait

Vadakara: Twelve years since the Lokanarkavu pilgrimage tourism project’s inception, it is finally coming to fruition. The project which began in 2011, was delayed due to varied reasons. It was finally with the LDF government sanctioning Rs 4.5 crores to the project in 2021 that a new way forward was found.

ULCCS began the work last September. Although 18 months was estimated, the work neared completion within a year. Only last-minute finishing touches remain now. ULCCS authorities have informed that the project will be completed within this month. It is proposed that the inauguration can be held by 20 August. 

The lack of basic infrastructure caused many issues for the devotees who visited Lokanarkavu. With the new project’s inauguration, these issues can be solved up to a certain extent. 14 guest rooms, a dormitory with 11 beds, toilet-bath facilities, an office room, functioning well, etc are included in the new building.

Additionally, a Kalari has also been built.  Beautiful murals line the outside walls of the Kalari. Everything has a touch of tradition.

Rs 1.25 crores was sanctioned by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan for this pilgrim tourism project when was the home affairs-tourism minister. He also laid the foundation stone in February 2011. Although ULCCS had begun the construction then, it was stalled due to the non-availability of funds from the tourism department. 

Since work stalled, it became impossible to complete the project as per the initial estimate. The demand to reassess the estimate was also not heeded. It was only towards the end of the first LDF government’s tenure that funds were sanctioned and the project was revived.

KIIFB works also in progress

Works amounting to Rs 3.78 crores are also being carried out in Lokanarkavu under the Thalassery Conservation Scheme with the aid of KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board). A total project cost of Rs 6.69 crores has been sanctioned. The construction of ‘Thanthri Mattam’ has been completed with a cost of Rs 3.78 crores and ‘Agrashala’ construction is underway. The renovation works of ‘cheriya chira’ and ‘valiya chira’ are also in the final stages.

Building a wall for protecting the grove (kaavu) and stone paving of the paths of Bhagawathi and Vishnu temples are complete. The only thing yet to begin is the renovation of the Puthiyottil Kottaram which is contracted to an Ernakulam-based company.