Thiruvananthapuram: State tourism department is all set to develop Eerattinpuram, a tiny island in Neyyar River situated within Neyyattinkara municipality limits, into an exotic tourist destination. The plan is to establish a rock park at this two-acre land strictly adhering to eco-friendly construction methods, for which administrative sanction has been accorded. The project is estimated to cost of Rs 2.66 crore.To be implemented and operated by Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), the project will be executed through Great India Tourism Planners and Consultants (GITPAC) International within 18 months. "The municipality, which owns the land, has given permissive sanction to the tourism department. Now, agreement has to be signed between the department, the DTPC and the executing agency," said DTPC secretary T V Prasanth.Already attracting domestic visitors, Eerattinpuram, located downstream Aruvippuram and around eight kilometres from Neyyattinkara and 30 kilometres from the capital city, has every potential to be developed into a rock park. As per the proposal the island will be connected to the main land with a bridge to be constructed on two big rocks in the riverbed. "A major attraction would be two watch towers to be built on these rocks, which can provide awesome views," the DTPC secretary said.In fact, Eerattinpuram tourism project is becoming a reality after three decades since such a proposal was the first to be put forth by the department. "The municipality, on several occasions, had included the project in its budget proposals. But, being in a remote area and due to several other reasons, it was put on the back burner. I am happy that finally it has taken shape," said local MLA K Anzalan.The tourism project on this island, which features rocks and trees, has also secured required clearances including those from irrigation and environment departments. "The study conducted with the help of Irrigation department has alleviated fears of floods affecting the project," said Prasanth.The rock park, except for the toilet facilities, will have only bamboo and rock structures. Apart from the connecting bridge and watch towers, the project components include resting huts, tree houses, tender coconut stall, solar street lights and bollards with lights, stone benches, bamboo fencing and earth road. The tourists will also be offered coracle boating facility."There could be also scope for adventure tourism activities here, which could be introduced at a later stage," the DTPC secretary added.

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