Kanniyakumari District Collector M. Prathap has directed the officials to renovate the biodiversity park at Udhayagiri Fort, to attract more tourists to the destination.

Following an inspection at Udhayagiri Fort on Wednesday, Mr. Prathap said that the biodiversity park in the fort is one of the major tourist attractions and directed the officials that all the basic facilities required for the public and tourist visit should be improved and the footpaths must be repaired.

He further instructed the officials to give greater attention to maintain the cleanliness and greenery of the park.

Mr. Prathap added that the fort’s biodiversity park was a sanctuary to various species of animals, especially rare butterflies, animals, birds and snakes. Highlighting that similar parks have been renovated in places like Tiruchi, he directed the officials to conduct a field survey and renovate the Udhayagiri Fort biodiversity park accordingly.

Padmanabhapuram Municipal Commissioner, and officials from Forest and Archaeology departments were instructed to improve the children’s park and pond in the Udhayagiri fort complex. They were also instructed to take necessary steps to renovate the tomb of De Lannoy, a Dutch lieutenant of Travancore forces, and to install an informative and colourful display for the tourist to learn about his history.

Padmanabhapuram Municipal Commissioner Kanmani, Deputy Director (HR&CE) Jhansi Rani and officials were present.