Attention property owners, Suresh Gopi reveals area in Thiruvananthapuram where no construction activities will be allowed from now on

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister Suresh Gopi said that the state government has to help the Centre find new state tourism locations. Suresh Gopi was speaking at a public function held in Vellayani in Thiruvananthapuram.

"I am very adamant that not even a leaf should turn in Thiruvananthapuram without my knowledge. Those who study the development history of Vellayani will understand. How many MPs in Kerala have adopted villages under the Prime Minister's adoption program? Which specific villages have been adopted by each MP? The MPs should win elections for the people. I've seen with my own eyes how a bund broke in Vellayani, causing flooding and destroying vegetables worth Rs 50 lakh. The next year, the same issue didn't recur because I had constructed a new bund there at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. How many MPs elected from Thiruvananthapuram have been able to achieve this?" Suresh Gopi said.

"New systems should come up in tourism. Not just Varkala and Kovalam, Muzhappilangad Beach should also be promoted. Bekal is a crown jewel for Kerala's tourism, but how effectively has it been showcased on tourism platforms? Efforts are being made to discover new tourist locations. However, it cannot happen without the support of the state government," Suresh Gopi said.

"Vellayani Lake now bears a huge responsibility. Apart from its existing role, it also has the responsibility of providing fresh water to large vessels coming to Vizhinjam Port. Its production capacity needs to be tripled. No further construction activities will be allowed around Vellayani Lake. If the government takes it over, there's a plan to transform it into an international-standard freshwater lake. Everything is ready for an 800 crore project. It will become a reality if the state hands over the land to the Centre. Vellayani Lake will become Kerala's crown jewel, showcasing the state's pride to the world," he added.