In an effort to boost tourism potential of the Yelagiri Hills and bring it on a par with Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud, the district administration has launched a series of measures including preparation of a project report.
A meeting chaired by Collector R. Nanthagopal on Thursday discussed the ways to develop basic infrastructure in the hill, roads and hotels and bring in more recreation facilities. There are plans to establish a mini zoo at the boat house in Athanavoor for children. Deer, peacock and birds would be housed in the zoo.
More recreation facilities have been planned for children, such as play grounds with sliding board, merry-go-round etc. Walking tracks have also been included, a press release said.
Library planned
In addition, a library would be set up to enable tourists to access newspapers and books.
Officials have planned to establish good roads from the foothill to Yelagiri and all its villages. They would also take efforts to identify and establish alternative routes to reach the hill. It has been planned to ensure round-the-clock power supply. Steps would be taken to establish a 24-hour medical facility on the hill. Apart from this, proper drainage facility would be established and adequate buses would be operated to enable tourists to reach the hill station.
Marketing outlets
The meeting also focussed on extending more facilities and benefits to residents of Yelagiri. This included cultivating herbal plants that would be useful for the villagers and setting up of adequate outlets to market the local produce.
Arrangements would be made to provide milch cows to the villagers, and provide training for improving their employability. Another key area discussed was to ensure availability of quality food at less cost for tourists and residents of Yelagiri.
The meeting looked at taking up works to maintain and renovate buildings of schools and government offices located at Yelagiri. Lakes and ponds would be maintained, and over head tanks would be constructed to supply drinking water to villagers. A modern gym has been planned for the youth of Yelagiri.
Mr. Nanthagopal said that officials of all departments should compile their ideas and prepare a project report. This proposal would be sent to the State to improve the tourism potential of Yelagiri, the release said.
