The state government has advised panchayats to develop at least one tourism spot in every village as part of the destination challenge project promoted by regional tourism departments and the Kerala Tourism department.
Primary works as part of this project have begun at Uzhavoor and Kanakkary panchayats of Kottayam. The panchayats have been instructed to submit detailed project report about the regional tourist spots in the tourism department’s online portal.
The tourism department would allot up to 60% (maximum Rs 50 lakh) of the total expenses if the project is approved after the inspections. The remaining funds have to be arranged by the respective panchayats. They could utilize the project fund, own funds and MLA fund too. Meanwhile, the local self government could run the project and collect the revenue.
Areekuzhi in Uzhavoor
This project has been proposed for Rs 88 lakh including the Rs 50 lakh allotted by the tourism department. Meanwhile, the authorities are trying to secure approval for the Anakallumala project in the panchayat.
This project requires an NOC from the revenue department. SILK (Steel Industries Kerala Ltd), which is a government accredited agency has envisioned an elaborate project for the Areekuzhi waterfalls. This includes a check dam, open gym, facilities for persons with disabilities, street lamps, mini mast light, hand railings, safety walls, selfie points, toilets and work sheds.
The waterfall is in the Areekkara – Nellamattam area at Areekuzhi lake in Uzhavoor panchayat.
Kanakkary – Chirakulam
The Kanakkary – Chirakulam Madhuram garden project has been allotted Rs 98.83 crore as part of the destination challenge project. Chirakulam is on the side of the Kottayam – Ernakulam road and it is considered perfect to be developed as a tourism center. A pond that sprawls in two and half acres in the area and the surrounding land have been proposed for the project. The water body is up to 8 – 20 feet deep.
A ticket counter, information counter, retiring rooms and security cabins would be arranged here. Meanwhile, the construction works of solar lights, waste management facilities, leisure facilities for children using fund allotted by block panchayat and a women’s gym are progressing. Besides, pedal boating, sweep cycle and a rope way park too would be arranged after the project is on.
