The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Winged visitors stay off the empty reservoir

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Saturday, Sep 27, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

Winged visitors stay off the empty reservoir

K.A. Martin

Amenities for tourists are minimal at the bird sanctuary
Empty Periyar Valley Reservoir means no boating for the tourists

KOCHI: The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad is perfectly placed to be one of Kerala’s favourite haunts of nature lovers.

Its proximity to the International Airport at Nedumbassery and Kochi city has made the reserve attractive to those seeking out quick holidays or even a one-day picnic.

But the Thattekkad Sanctuary springs a surprise of sorts. Here the amenities for tourists are minimal.

Boat trips, once the most important part of the tour to the sanctuary, have been stopped since a boat accident that killed 15 school children and three teachers in February 2007.

None of the private boats that were used prior to the tragedy have been given fitness certificate.

However, there has not been any fall in the number of tourists visiting the sanctuary. The tourist flow slowed down only for about two months after the tragedy, says an official.

Meanwhile the bird sanctuary is facing a different problem. The emptying of the Periyar Valley Reservoir once again at the beginning of the migratory season means that there will be no water or fish fauna for the visiting birds to feed on.

This is bound to affect the number of birds visiting the sanctuary this year. “Filling it up again and achieving the typical fish population will take at least three months. By the time the migratory season would end,” said a scientist at the sanctuary.

Empty reservoir also means no boating for the tourists. There was no boating during the Onam season and this is expected to continue throughout the year.

The Forest Department hopes to start a small boat service next year. An official said that Rs.10 lakh had been sanctioned by the Centre with which a 15-seater boat was being purchased.

The department has also submitted a proposal for comprehensive development of the bird sanctuary.

New plan

The proposals involve an exclusive 25 sq.km. area for the sanctuary and development of tourism facilities. It was submitted in April and a response from the state Government was awaited.

These development activities have been proposed to be taken up in collaboration with the local people, local panchayats, experts and the Forest Department.

Meanwhile, proposals for developing the area and improving tourism facilities through Eco-tourism societies and with participation of the local people are also being taken up.

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