KANNUR: With the Kannur International Airport Limited set to expand its wings, the district is hoping to make a leap in development. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had finalised many road works and also reviewed the progress in the construction of the airport. Though the district can boast of many high-profile political leaders like E.K. Nayanar and Pinarayi Vijayan, it is lagging in development. There are many areas, including tourism, farming, hand-loom, port and fishing, waiting for a boost. The airport is expected to breathe new life into these sectors.
North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC), a body of traders and businessmen, had recently announced its ‘Destination Kannur’ project for the development of tourism spots. A tourism circuit connecting Thalassery-Mahe- Bekal has been on cards. The development of Azheekkal port is another plan on which NMCC has already conducted series of discussion sessions.
NMCC president K. Thrivikraman told DC that the focus would be given to the tourism sector, development of Airport-Seaport Road and providing opportunities as well as support to budding entrepreneurs. “We need good connectivity of the hills and planes,” he said. “We have many heritage sites, plantations ideal for farm tourism and hill stations yet to be tapped and the backwaters and beaches,” he added.
