The residents of Chellanam are trying to overcome the fate of forever being on the fringes of development priorities by forming a project to tap the tourism potential of their village.
A detailed Fort Cochin-Alappuzha Corridor Tourism (FACT) project has been prepared by the Chellanam Agri and Tourism Development Society and submitted to the authorities concerned. “The project was conceived in the light of the realisation that Chellanam was not utilising the heavy tourist movement between Fort Kochi on its northern end and Alappuzha on the south, both most sought after tourism destinations in the State. Chellanam has 15.5 km of pristine beach stretch, backwaters and rural tourism to present,” said K. Xavier Julappan, president of the society.
Among the spots being highlighted as part of the project are Kannamali beach that extends up to 400 metres and smaller beach fronts at Cheriyakadavu, Gonduparambu and Kandekadu, the 5.25 km stretch of Kalathara-Kallencheri backwater, the 4 km stretch of Erattathodu-Chakkarachal backwater, the 11-km long Vijayan Canal and the 11-km-long Thekkan Pozhi that extends up to Andhakaranazhi Beach.
The project report said that Kannamali beach held the potential of developing into a major tourist site, especially with the beach vanishing from Fort Kochi due to change in tidal patterns and the next nearest beach being Cherai, which is 25 km away.
Chellanam is also planning to develop on the lines of its more famous neighbouring village Kumbalanghi, which is the first model tourism village in the country.
It has been proposed that homestays and art centres to showcase traditional art and cultural forms could be established as it is done in Kumbalanghi.
While Kumbalanghi showcased itself as a fisherman's village, Chellanam is proposing to tap the potential of village agri-tourism.
“The village can also highlight traditional craftsmen engaged in making of country boats and traditional fishermen in action,” said Mr. Julappan.
In the long run, advanced tourism projects like Kannamali Marine project, Kalathara Water Sports Tourism project and backwater and canal-related projects can be taken up, the project report suggested. Copies of the project have been presented to Union Minister of State for Food K.V. Thomas, Dominic Presentation, MLA; P.I. Sheikh Pareed, District Collector and Jayasankar, secretary of DTPC.
