Joining hands with non-governmental organisations, Vivekanandra Kendra has drawn out ‘Green Resilient Rameswaram’ project with nine verticals and 27 goals to conserve the rich heritage of the pilgrim island and preserve its ecology and marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Mannar region at the total cost of ₹24.02 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the project on July 27 after inaugurating the memorial of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. He released the synopsis, handed over to him by Collector S. Natarajan, who is the chairman of the ‘Island development Committee’ (IDC) and G Vasudeo, secretary, Vivekananda Kendra.
The Kendra, which was implementing Green Rameswaram project under its Natural Resources Development Project (NARDEP) since 2013 after launching the project on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, has prepared the ‘Green Resilient Rameswaram’ action plan based on the projects implemented so far and in consultation with stakeholders.
The action plan comprised 11 verticals such as water management, waste management, renewable energy, eco tourism with green transport, landscaping and beautification, marine bio-diversity, green health, new merchandise and livelihoods, heritage, social capital and policy advocacy, Mr Vasudeo said.
Mr Kalam had launched the Green Rameswaram initiative and it was strengthened by the IDC. The projects were implemented in collaboration with the Central and State governments, district administration, municipality, with community participation and support of corporates, he said.
The ‘Green Resilient Rameswaram’ action plan envisaged 27 goals with the project outlay of ₹24.02 crore. NGOs such as Hand in Hand India, CPR Environmental Research Foundation, Reach Foundation, Basil Electronics, Green Pilgrimage Network and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Madras) came forward to chip in and take the project forward, he said.
After releasing the synopsis, Mr Modi lauded the efforts of Vivekananda Kendra and called upon people and pilgrims visiting the island to contribute their best for making ‘Green Resilient Rameswaram.’
