The Hindu : Kerala News : Tourism plan for Goshree Islands TOURISM TRAIL

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Tourism plan for Goshree Islands TOURISM TRAIL

— Photo: Vipin Chandran

TOURIST ATTRACTION: A view from the Goshree bridge. KITCO is planning to prepare a masterplan to develop tourism in and around Goshree Islands.

The Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) would prepare a masterplan to develop tourism and other amenities in and around the Goshree Islands.

The aim is to retain the pristine nature of the islands, the wetlands and the backwaters, thus keeping real-estate sharks at bay, said a senior officer of the agency. The masterplan would be prepared, after a study by an expert team, keeping in mind t he developments in another 25 years.

Locals to benefit

It would be planned in such a way that local residents benefit considerably from the projects.

The Goshree Islands Development Authority has asked KITCO to cover areas falling within eight panchayats in the area, to develop amenities for tourism, power and water supply.

Sustainable tourism

“The main idea is to set up sustainable and self-sustaining tourism amenities similar to the ones at Kumbalanghi—India’s first model-tourism village. The pokkali farmlands in the islands, where organic paddy cultivation and prawn farming are done alternately, would be an added attraction for tourists. The tourism ventures would provide an added income to the islanders,” the officer said.

The works will be carried out in a phased manner.

Water-road link

Steps would also be taken to integrate the water-transport system with road transport, so that people who want to explore the scenic inland waterways (part of National Waterway III) on Kochi’s north-western parts can well do so. Full-fledged boat jetties which house eateries would go a long way in attracting tourists to these areas where just a few boats conduct trips at present.

The president of the Edapally block panchayat, P.M. Ikkoran, had sought the help of the District Tourism Promotion Council to develop tourist facilities in Kadamakudy and nearby islets.

“Some agencies are demanding huge amounts just to prepare a project report that could be forwarded to the government for approval. We cannot afford that. Apart from pokkali cultivation, some islanders are engaged in pottery. Their ethnic food would be another attraction for visitors. The areas where the backwaters meet the sea are windy and are hence ideal locales for harnessing wind energy. A walkway along the coast is another possibility. The isles can be reached from both Njarakkal and Paravur, by boat,” he said.

John L. Paul

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