The Anchuthengu panchayat is launching a scheme to grow mangroves to protect its picturesque coastline and backwaters and develop the region as an eco-tourism draw.
A heritage tourism circuit linking the mangrove project, named ‘Haritha Vanam’, with the local tourist centres is also part of the plan.
Years ago, mangroves were abundant in the region and they offered natural protection to the backwaters and the coast, but their gradual destruction led to erosion and related environmental issues. Now, the Anchuthengu panchayat is planning to revive the mangrove forests with some help from the MGNREGS.
The panchayat intends to plant the mangroves along the backwaters for a distance of three km across seven panchayat wards. The seeds will be supplied by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS). The plans will be cared for by the MGNREGS workers. The project will also guarantee more working days for them, panchayat president V. Laiju says.
The panchayat expects the mangrove project to turn into a huge draw for visitors in three years. The heritage tourism circuit will consist of the Harithavanam project, the Anchuthengu Fort (Anjengo Fort), Ponnumthuruth, Kayikkara (the birth place of poet Kumaran Asan), and Chempakathara. The Anchuthengu fort was constructed by the British towards the end of the 17th century.
The main draw at Chempakathara are two old Chempaka trees designated as heritage trees by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The heritage tourism project will be launched soon, Mr. Laiju says.
The main draw at Chempakathara are two old Chempaka trees designated as heritage trees by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The heritage tourism project will be launched soon, Mr. Laiju says.
