Even after promising incentives for first takers
The Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited, through newspaper advertisements published on August 14, had offered incentives to those who begin services before October 31, but so far none has shown any interest. (PHoto: DC)
ALAPPUZHA: The much-awaited seaplane services are yet to become a reality although the government had said that they would be launched before Onam. The Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited, through newspaper advertisements published on August 14, had offered incentives to those who begin services before October 31, but so far none has shown any interest.
Mr Anilkumar, MD, KTIL, had told DC that the government would hold talks with the protesting fishermen to reach a consensus. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had also promised on May 28, while presenting the state tourism awards 2012-13, that the seaplane services would be a reality soon. But, nothing has happened so far.
Mr V. Dinakaran, chairman of the fishermen’s coordination committee, told DC that the government had promised to hold discussions with the committee to allay their fears. “The Vattakayal is an active catchment area where 500 anglers conduct fishing daily. The government has to solve the issues facing the fishermen before launching the seaplane”, he said.
An expert panel report submitted by tourism secretary Suman Billa in August had suggested Vattakayal as a new water-drome instead of Punnamada lake. On June 2 last year, the inaugural flight of the Cessna 206 H amphibian aircraft from Ashtamudi lake in Kollam was forced to return without landing in Punnamada lake in Alappuzha following opposition from the fisherfolk.
( Source : dc )
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