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A green link to nature

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad, is a green link to Nature.

The verdant environs of the sanctuary where one can sight birds and wild animals at close quarters make it one of the favoured eco-tourism destinations of the district.

Each year, around 50,000 tourists reach the sanctuary to be in the lap of Nature. The visitor turnout is something significant, as the sanctuary has not been aggressively marketed as an eco-tourism destination as it ought to be. Yet, it is a popular draw.

Realising its potential, the State Forest Department is planning to package and promote it as an eco-tourism destination with a difference.

A variety of nature trails and trekking and camping facilities, bird watching, mountaineering facilities and boating for those who prefer to spend time leisurely - these are some of the proposals that have come up in this context.

“More than promoting the sanctuary as an eco-tourism destination, we intend to convert it into a link to know Nature,” says John Nirmal Augustine, Divisional Forest Officer, Idukki.

One should be able to connect the experiences he gathers from the sanctuary with his life. Such an experience is of significance, as it would create the awareness for conserving Nature, says Mr. Augustine.

Plans are afoot to support the Eco-Development Committees (EDC) of the sanctuary through various eco-tourism projects for sustainable livelihood, said R. Sugathan, ornithologist. The formation of an EDC for Nature guides is also being considered, he said.

The authorities are planning to convene a brainstorming session on February 10 at the sanctuary to give shape to various projects.

K.S. Sudhi

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