KOZHIKODE: District collector U.V. Jose is on with various measures to energise tourism industry. The District Tourism Promotion Council is promoting sprouting resorts and homestays on the high-ranges. The ropeway project at the foot of the Wayanad Ghats linking Lakkidi in Wayanad and Adivaram in Kozhikode is another dream project. Mr Jose is very much impressed with the project promoted by the Wayanad Chamber of Commerce, executed with the cooperation of two district administrations.
Moves are afoot to link the upcoming Canoly Canal waterway project, Kayaking and water sports expeditions of high ranges and the proposed ropeway.
Once materialised, it would be an ideal package which will enthuse any global traveller, says tourism experts. At a recent meeting on the ropeway project, Mr Jose, a Wayanad native and former tourism director, had directed heads of forests, Kerala State Electricity Board and National Highway to help expedite it.
Wayanad district collector S. Suhas also expressed his joy in the upcoming project.
The project will help the tourism industry of Wayanad to tap the potential in a better way, he told DC. Another project that could boost tourism in both districts is the tunnel road linking Meppadi in Wayanad with Anakkampoyil. Thiruvambadi MLA George M. Thomas said the departmental procedures were still underway. "It would be an alternative to the clogged Wayanad Ghat road," he told DC. Once completed the 5.5-km tunnel would link Swargam Kunnu near Anakkampoyil and reach Kalladi near Meppadi. "State government has already sanctioned Rs 20 crore for preparatory works," he added.
Financial constraints a drag on dream project
The Wayanad tourism is expected to benefit immensely from the proposed ropeway project envisaged a decade ago. But the state government's financial constraints put it on hold. Recently, the Wayanad Chamber of Commerce revived the project and floated a company expecting the state's support. A businessman has given property for landing station at Lakkidi.
At Adivaram the Kozhikode district administration will ensure land for the same if private players are not willing to contribute. Malabar Chamber of Commerce secretary E.P. Mohandas said it would cost around Rs 70 crore, which is easy to source from business groups.
"If the state government clears departmental hurdles like permissions from forest, national highways and Kerala State Electricity Board, mobilising funds is not a big deal," he told DC. The air distance between the two ends, one at Lakkidi in Wayanad and the other at Adivaram here, is 3.16 km. This distance can be covered within 15 to 20 minutes by ropeway using 45 to 50 cabins. Around 500 people can move up in an hour.
