Nature lovers and tourists will soon get to enjoy the serene locations in the interiors of the scenic Pachamalai hills in the district that is being developed as an eco-tourism spot involving the local tribal people.
A slew of works taken up under the community-based eco-tourism programme is currently apace at certain chosen spots atop the lush green Pachamalai, part of the Eastern Ghats.
The only hilly terrain in Tiruchi district, the Pachamalai hills is endowed with thick forest areas, waterfalls, ridges, and valleys and a home to various species of birds and animals.
With Rs. 2.3 crore fund allocated by the Tourism Department, the eco-tourism works were implemented swiftly by the Forest Department in the hilly region which is home to the culturally rich Malayali tribal people.
One of the key objectives of the project was to improve the socio-economic condition of the tribal people who would operate and maintain the community assets and facilities were being created.
As part of the ongoing works, the Forest Department has taken up improvement works in the scenic Koraiyar and Periyapakkalam falls by constructing pathways to reach the sites.
Dressing rooms for those taking bath at these falls is under construction close by. A trekking trail of 4 km has been laid at Maamarathusolai with two rest rooms. Construction of an interpretation centre at Thenpuranadu village is on. A dormitory, kitchen, canteen, and tree top model trekking huts with toilets are to come up nearby.
Of the two watch towers under the plan, one has been established at Top Sengattupatti. The other one will come up at Keezhkarai Murugan Koil.
An eco-friendly children’s park at Thenpuranadu and medicinal plants park were on the anvil. The works were expected to be completed in a couple of months, say officials.
Two eco-tourism management committees — one at Top Sengattupatti and the other at Sembur — have been formed comprising local tribal people to maintain the community assets and facilities.
Income generated from the tourists would straightaway go to the committees, a senior official said and added that the Forest Department would only monitor the functioning.
Initially, the department planned to organise weekend tours for tourists to Pachamalai.
Four local people had been trained to act as guides to take around the tourists to the chosen location.
