· Project will enhance ambience of Mananchira: Minister Riyas
Kozhikode, NFAPost: The Kerala state government has sanctioned Rs 2.4 crore for the facelift of Mananchira Pond, the cultural and historical landmark in the heart of the city, to turn the spot more lively with a musical fountain and several other attractive features.
Mananchira Pond, also known as Mananchira Lake, is a man-made freshwater pond and a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Noting that the makeover works will promote heritage tourism in the region, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said the Mananchira Pond is part of the city’s rich heritage and a hub for social and cultural activities.
“The vibrant spots around the Mananchira Lake offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling urban milieu. The sanctioned fund will be utilized for upgradation, including setting up of a musical fountain, creation of infrastructure and other amenities. This will add another jewel to the bustling night life of the city. The renovation work will be completed in 10 months, without causing any stress to its natural and cultural ecosystem,” said Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas.
Mananchira was built as a bathing pool by the Zamorin Mana Vikrama, the erestwhile ruler of Kozhikode in around the 14th century. Later, Mysore ruler Tippu Sultan made this pond as drinking water source as a gift for Sayed Jifri. The laterite blocks obtained from excavating the pond was later used to construct two palaces to the east and west.
In the late 19th century, Kozhikode municipal council decreed that the pond was to be reserved exclusively for drinking purposes, and prohibited its use for bathing, washing and recreational activities—a ruling that has remained in place ever since.
Businessman Sudheer Kundoor said Mananchira Maidanam and Mananchira Ponds are part and parcel of Kozhikode’s rich cultural heritage as these places witnessed many events (football to Ayyappanvilakku to cultural events) and legends from across the globe visited these landmarks the city.
“Under the visionary leadership of Kozhikode District Collector Amitabh Kant, Mananchira Maidanam and Mananchira Ponds got a new lease of life in 1994 as its was renamed as Mananchira Square, converted into an acadia (cultural region) with trees and plants, an artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open-air theatre, and a musical fountain. It is a right decision on the part of the government to give another lease of life to Manachira Pond which is part of Manachira Square,” said Businessman Sudheer Kundoor.
With the completion of the renovation works, Mananchira Lake will become a visually stunning spot and make it more appealing to tourists.
According to the government order issued by the state Tourism Department, the project will be completed as per a four-year maintenance contract.
