KOZHIKODE: The government has given the technical sanction for the first phase work of the proposed Fraternity Tower, an iconic tower to be built in the heart of city, Minister for Social Welfare M K Muneer has said. The foundation stone-laying ceremony of the tower will be held in April, after receiving the approval from the Tourism Department.Addressing a press conference here on Monday, he said, `5 crore has been earmarked for the first phase of the tower, which is expected to be completed at a cost `32 crore. Setting up of an underground passage to RDO office complex from Mananchira and an underground parking facility in the tower under public-private participation is also under theconsideration of the government, he added.Fraternity Tower, in the model of an arm carrying torch, would be set up at the location of the present RDO office complex situated on 29 acres of land. The tower, which would have a height of 72 metres, would become the tallest government building and the tallest statue in the state, said former district collector P B Salim, who was present on the occasion. The 29-acre land of the Revenue Department and the 90 cent land owned by the Health Department will be taken over for the construction of the tower. Out of the 14 government offices functioning in the proposed land, eightoffices have been shifted already and the remaining offices would be relocated soon, he added.In the arm-shaped block, there will be an art exhibition area and a mini theatre. The torch tower model will have lift facility and a viewpoint, which can accommodate 100 persons at a time. The work on the tower is expected to becompleted in one year, said P B Salim. A garden named after Kunhali Marakkar would also be set up on the tower premises, he added.“The objections raised by various departments including the Revenue Department should be settled for the quick completion of the Fraternity Tower, said A Pradeepkumar MLA. Muneer released the proposed design of the Fraternity Tower at the function held at Calicut Press Club on Monday. He also released the government directory of Kozhikode by handing over the copy to Mayor A K Premajam. Sculptor Jeevan Thomas was also present on the occasion.
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