KOTHAMANGALAM: Bhoothathankettu, a hot tourism destination in the district, will turn into a centre of attention when the new hydel project becomes a reality.
According to KSEB officials, the construction work of the project aimed at producing 24 MW of power has commenced. The power generation would start in 2015. “The work of power plant is going at the right pace and we hope to complete the entire work by 2015,” KSEB officials said.
District Tourism Promotion Corporation (DTPC), Ernakulam, plans to develop the tourism facilities by spending Rs 1.95 crore. The work of the ‘Development of Bhoothathankettu as a Tourist Destination project’ will be done through Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and is expected to be completed within a year. Under the project, the existing six tourist accommodations will be renovated (Rs 1.05 crore), two other cottages will be modified as restaurants. Two speed boats and four pedal boats will be put into operation at an estimated cost of Rs 45 lakh.
Bhoothathankettu dam and tourist spot are situated outside Pindimana village, about 10 km off Kothamangalam town and 50 km away from Kochi city. With increase in the number of tourists to Bhoothathankettu, tourism in Thattekkad is also likely to reap the benefits. Tourists can also visit the Idamalayar dam.