Kozhikode: It was exactly a month back that Kerala heaved a sigh of relief as the mid-August deluge receded. Though the state has commenced rebuilding measures across many sectors, parts of the low-lying Kuttanad are yet to fully recover from the floods. Several areas and properties lying are submerged and people are struggling to cope with the ravages brought about by the calamity. Only a visit there would help one understand the exact situation even as lakhs of people are back to their normal lives elsewhere in the state.
In a rare initiative, a private tour is being organised to Kuttanad so that people can have a first-hand knowledge of the scenario even a month after waters receded from other parts of the state. A group, which was earlier involved in relief activities in Kuttanad, is now holding a one-day trip to Kavalam as a bid to explore the tourism opportunities and lend a helping hand to the nearly 15 families stuck in this small Kuttanad island.
Titled 'Sky Walk Trip and Trek', the team plans to visit Kavalam on October 2 with around 25 tourists from all over Kerala.
The trip fee is Rs 500, mainly for a day's food, which would be prepared by the inhabitants of the island. They would prepare lunch and evening snacks and take the tourists for a canoe ride on Vembanad lake.
The trip starts at 10 am and will conclude by 6 pm, said tour organiser Reneesh Rahman. Two of his friends from Kochi, Shiji Victor and Muhammed Anshad, are also joining him in the mission.
“We took part in flood relief activities in Kuttanad and at Aluva last month. We also coordinated many rescue operations there. Though many flood-affected areas in the state have returned to normalcy, Kuttanad is yet to fully recover. People from outside should understand the real problems being faced by the families here. With this trip, we aim to attract those who are willing to help the needy,” Reneesh noted.
However, this is not like an ordinary trip. The tourists should carry some 'gifts' for the families in Kavalam. The organisers expect that someone would come forward to sponsor at least one family as they gain first-hand knowledge about the conditions.
“If at least one house is renovated by someone after visiting the place, the mission would be a success,” Rahman added.
For details and to register for the trip, call 98468 80001 or 98470 62899.
