TRIPUNITHURA: Dropping the controversial decision to lease Aanaparambu (elephant shelter), Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) proposed a new project to convert it into a sacred grove, which will have different trees named after birth stars from the Malayalam calendar. The CDB also plans to cultivate lotus in the unused pond here.TOI had earlier reported about the controversial proposal of CDB to lease out the elephant shelter ­ a main halt for tuskers coming to Sree Poor nathrayeesha temple for commercial purpose.“We have drafted a detailed Aanapaproject for converting 'rambu' into an attractive landscape,''said MK Sudarsanan, CDB president, who visited the abandoned ` Aanaparambu' on Wednesday following TOI report.The CDB had earlier plans to conduct an auction on December 24 in order to lease out the 'Aanaparambu' to private entities. But there were wide spread protests especially from youngsters who were even willing to do organic farming here instead of losing one of the last remaining open spaces here.“We will plant trees like Elanji and Koovalam for each birth star and even ask residents to take care of their respective `star' trees. They would be allowed to take care of the saplings,'' he said.“Moreover, the beautiful pond, which is now in a state of neglect, will soon be converted into a lotus pond as it is the favorite flower used for poojas at the temple,'' Sudarsanan said. As an initial measure soil test and cleaning of pond will be done within a week or two.“The borders of the spacious plot will be safe guarded by planting Teak, Mahagani and other strong woods,'' Sudarsanan said.