While the Kadamakkudy Master Plan is a comprehensive tourism development strategy focused on transforming the Kadamakkudy Islands into a sustainable and community-focused tourist destination, I have serious concerns on it’s negative impact on the nesting grounds of the migratory birds in and around the mangrove forests which is primarily targetted by the water tourism agencies by intruding into this area with kiaks, tourist boats and even speed boats. No wonder why this migratory bird population is on the descent. Kadamakkudy without the birds will become another living monument of of the greed of humanity.
The key features of the master plan include improved water connectivity, nature-based infrastructure like walkways and cycling paths, promotion of pokkali farming and pisciculture, development of eco-friendly homestays, and the creation of specialized tourism facilities such as a watchtower, floating restaurants, and a coir museum. These are all fine, provided their negative impact on the bio-diversity of these living islands are proactively addressed.
Key Aspects of the Kadamakkudy Master Plan
- Sustainable Tourism: The plan emphasizes responsible tourism practices to preserve the islands’ natural beauty and uniqueness. (What are the details?, Who are all involved? – not clear)
- Community Focus: Development efforts are designed to be beneficial to local residents, promoting community-driven tourism.
- Infrastructure Development: Plans include improved water connectivity via ferries, the construction of walkways and cycling tracks, and the establishment of facilities like cafes and water-side seating.
- Tourism Attractions: The project focuses on promoting the islands’ natural and cultural aspects through activities like:
- Village walks, agri-tourism, and farm tourism, allowing visitors to experience pokkali farming and pisciculture.
- Water sports, such as boating, angling, and jet skiing, and the creation of a mangrove trail. This will spoil the nesting grounds of the migratory birds.
- Development of eco-friendly homestays and floating restaurants.
- Cultural experiences, including a coir museum, a museum on houseboats, and galleries showcasing local artwork.
- Community Engagement: The plan involves the Kadamakkudy Panchayat and aims to market local produce like pokkali rice, shrimp, and fish to visitors.
- Marketing and Branding: The Kadamakkudy Kazhchakal” campaign aims to project the islands as a major island destination within the national backwaters corridor.
Ongoing Initiatives and Future Plans
- Kochi Water Metro: The Kochi Water Metro is establishing a terminal at Kadamakkudy, with services set to launch after the completion of construction and resolution of issues like vessel availability.
- Urgent Development Plan: A specific development plan, involving infrastructure like walkways and cafes, is on the anvil and requires CRZ clearance, with soil testing already underway.
- Project Implementation: The overall tourism project is planned to be implemented in phases and is expected to be a significant initiative for enhancing the tourism landscape of Kerala.
Abrachan Pudusserry, Contributor, Kadamakkudy.org