Thenmala Eco-tourism Project to be commissioned on Jan. 31

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN. 27. The first phase of the Thenmala Eco- tourism Project, considered to be the first one of its kind in the country, will be commissioned on January 31, said the Minister for Tourism, Mr. E. Chandrasekharan Nair, here on Saturday.

The Minister said the project was designed in such a way as not to harm the environment. The carrying capacity of each region is being taken into account when ecotourism projects are planned.

Mr. Nair said the major components of the project are eco- friendly general tourism, eco-tourism and pilgrimage tourism. The eco-friendly tourism component would be centred mainly around the Thenmala dam and its surroundings. Eco-tourism components such as an environment education centre, a deer rehabilitation centre and adventure tourism are provided here. Besides, ten satellite centres would be developed in Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. Facilities for trekking and bird watching have been planned in the Senduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. The pilgrimage tourism is proposed by linking the existing Sree Dharma Sastha temples at Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achankovil.

He said the project is being developed in a 60-acre area flanked by forests. There would be facilities for 16 activities including trekking, cycling, boating and shopping in three zones. The cultural zone under the project would feature an information centre, a musical fountain (set against natural surroundings), shop court, amphitheater and a restaurant. The leisure zone will feature an information centre, pathways, a plaza, courts, sculpture garden and board walk. The adventure zone will have an information centre, bike rental shop, deck type plaza, nature trail, mountain bike path, elevated walkway, rock climbing, water body and picnic areas. A very exhaustive signage system in all these zones will guide the visitor through various facilities. A unique package is developed to facilitate trekking activities in association with the Forest Department. A bird watching trail through the Senduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is also planned. Two battery operated vehicles will be used to take tourists from the information centre to the boat landing.

The deer rehabilitation centre and children's park will be located near the Inspection Bungalow of the Forest and Wildlife Department. A deer information centre will provide adequate information to travelers about deer.

A boat landing centre is set up near Kallamkunnu by the side of the reservoir in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. The boating will be an occasion to see the scenic beauty of the sanctuary besides the hidden fauna.

Ecotourism activities at Palaruvi will be streamlined in association with the Forest Department. The reconstruction of mandapams damaged by floods and also the provision for safety measures at the waterfall will be carried out. Perennial water flow is envisaged at the fall by providing moisture and water conservation measures in the upper reaches of the falls. The works are getting completed.

The Minister said a butterfly park, development of satellite spots and pilgrimage tourism are planned in the second phase. Fountains are planned on both sides of the Kallada river downstream to create better ambience. The butterfly park, which will be the first of its kind in India, will be implemented by the Kerala Forest Research Institute.

An area lying between the Kallada irrigation dam and saddle dam at Pallamveetty will function as an environment education centre by integrating various potential features on site. A Nakshatravanam will be developed with trees representing the 27 constellations in the Zodiac. People would also be encouraged to buy saplings and plant them at home.

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