The Tourism Department, in association with the Revenue and Water Resources Department officials of the State government, has begun a land survey to fix the exact location for creating tourism infrastructure at Chola Gangam lake, locally known as Ponneri, at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

The State government, in view of the birth anniversary of the legendary Tamil king Rajendra Chola I on Aadi Thiruvathirai on July 23 this year, announced a special scheme to develop the lake at a cost of ₹20 crore. While ₹12 crore was earmarked for developing the lake, it allocated ₹7.5 crore to create tourism infrastructure on a corner of it.

Information centre, establishing a public park, construction of perimeter walls, facility to showcase the history of Rajendra Chola, installation of surveillance cameras, electricity, and other amenities to be implemented by the Tourism Department. Construction of a motel with tourist friend facilities is part of the plan.

As part of the process of identification of the site required for the tourism development project, the officials have started land survey on the lake. A team of revenue, water resources department and tourism officials is involved in the task.

A. Sankar, Tourism Officer, Ariyalur (in-charge), told The Hindu that it had been decided to locate the park-cum-motel at a corner of the Chola Gangam Lake with an easy access to the tourists and common people travelling on the Tiruchi-Chidambaram highway. The land survey would determine the exact extent of land required for creating the infrastructure. The process would be completed within a week.

It had been decided to build the park-cum-motel to make it an important leisure spot for the tourists visiting Sri Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. A consultant was involved to prepare the Detailed Project Report for the project. It would come up with the drawing and elevation of the park and all other proposed amenities. It would reach the tender process within one or two months., Mr. Sankar added.