To make the best out of the Kochi backwaters, Kumbalam panchayat and Ernakulam Sailing Association propose to present the ‘Integrated Aqua Tourism and Water Sports’ project at Emerging Kerala.
Gateway
The project intends to connect 50 panchayats via the waterways through the Vembanad lake.
According to the project, a gateway will be set up at the Panangad national waterways. This will serve as the main gateway for the tourists.
Kumbalam, Kumbalangi and Chellanam panchayats have been identified as the model panchayats in the initial phase. Other similar panchayats will be incorporated in the next phase, said Francis Mukanekal, a member of the Ernakulam Sailing Association.
Water taxis
One of the major highlights of the project is the introduction of 250 water taxis which will connect 50 panchayats in the state, added Francis. “The water taxis will connect Panangad to various halts in the panchayats.
The halts are Muziris, Kottayil Kovilakam, Guruvayur, Kollam, Fort Kochi, Vaikom and Nedumbassery airport. The water taxis will be cheap and affordable for the people. There will be air-conditioned and ordinary taxis,” he said.
Gateway hub
A hub will be set up at the gateway at Panangad. The main activities at the hub will be a marketing office, service centres for house boats, a water sports centre and a repair centre for water taxis. The gateway will have 50 house boat parking centres and 500 boat service centres.
Homestays
Apart from a water cruise along the Vembanad lake, the project also envisages 2,500 homestays at the halts, said Murali Menon, a project coordination committee member. “Along with this we will introduce a waste management programme to maintain hygiene. For this, mini waste treatment plants will be set up at select panchayats.
Watersports
Water sports will be introduced at the halts, to reduce the pollution as well as provide leisure. Once introduced, they are sure to attract tourists, Murali Menon said.
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