The Hindu : Improved facilities at Thusharagiri

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 14, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Improved facilities at Thusharagiri

By Our Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE JULY 13. Steps are on to improve the facilities at the Thusharagiri tourist centre near here. The absence of a secretary for the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) for more than a year, and technical snags had impeded the progress of the work on the construction of the proposed tourist cottages at the site, the improvement of the road to the location, besides installation of power at the site.

These were pointed out as the basic needs at Thusharagiri, which has been attracting more and more tourists.

Talking to The Hindu here today, K.R. Ajith, who took charge as the DTPC secretary recently, said that what kept tourists away from Thusharagiri was the poor condition of the road from Kodencherry to the spot.

The Tourism Minister, K.V. Thomas, while on a visit here some time back, had promised that the sum needed for improving the 10 km Alipara-Thusharagiri road stretch would be provided.

The first estimate of Rs. 67 lakhs had now been revised to Rs. 71.5 lakhs. The letter for sanction was sent on December 28, 2002, and the approval was expected shortly.

As for the building of the cottages at Thusharagiri, sanction for a revised scheme was being sought from the department. The earlier estimate of Rs. 5 lakhs had now been enhanced to Rs. 12 lakhs for the additional facilities being provided.

Once the department assent was received, the work would commence immediately, he said.

It was in January that the foundation stone for the building of tourist lodges was laid by the Mr. Thomas.

The architecture plan had now been entrusted to the National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode. Environment-friendly structures would be put up, it was added. Under the earlier proposal, the construction of the cottages had been entrusted to the Nirmithi Kendra.

In case of lighting, traditional type of lamps were being thought of at the facilitation centre and surroundings, the secretary said.

The four waterfalls at Thusharagiri were at their spectacular best after the onset of monsoon, DTPC personnel at the site said.

Mr. Ajith said that focus was being placed on eco tourism while developing tourism centres in the district.

All centres would be made `plastic free'. In case of the beach beautification project too, financial allotment was being awaited for the commencement of the work.

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