Panels formed to give facelift to Kumarakom before tourist season

Committees were set up to look into the various issues, such as basic infrastructural maintenance, lake and canal conservation, waste management, repairs to pedestrian walkways and practising the “responsible tourism” initiative. 

Ettumanoor MLA Suresh Kurup, Kerala Tourism Director U V Jose and elected representatives of various local bodies participated in the meeting. The newly de vised committees will submit reports, by September 3, recommending short and long term  action. 

“On the basis of this report, further action will be undertaken,” said Jose. “By November 1, Kumarakom, Arpookara and Aymanam panchayats, which come under the title of the Kumarakom destination, will be spruced up to receive  visitors.” 

Kurup noted that making Vembanad lake free of waste is the top priority. “Plastic waste poses the biggest challenge. Machinery to convert plastic waste into pellet form should be set up. It is neither expensive nor does it take up too much space, and it is a project that can be easily undertaken by the panchayat.” Jose noted that money was not an issue to overcoming the problems faced in waste management. “Kumarakom’s responsible tourism programme was the most appreciated of the Kerala Tourism projects, including in London,” noted the tourism director. Private stakeholders pointed out several regional issues that demanded immediate attention, such as electricity distribution and the protection of canals.