ALAPPUZHA: Alappuzha is expected to become a major heritage tourism centre in the country with Finance Minister Thomas Isaac allocating '100 cr for improving heritage tourism in Alappuzha. This was a pet project of renowned architect Laurie Baker who had prepared a detailed report in May 1991 to revive the glory of the canal city.
Alappuzha, an underdeveloped town in the state, has many heritage buildings, including centuries-old churches and worship places of various communities, tombs , light house, coir factories and a unique life style. Dr Baker, who submitted his report to the now defunct Alleppey Development Authority, had estimated the total cost of renovation to be around Rs 65 lakh.
Dr Baker wanted to preserve the heritage houses, but the politicians never cared. “ Now we’ve a ray of hope,” said N. Sreekumar, general secretary, All-Kerala Houseboat Owners’ Association and professor in the commerce department of S D college here. “We had written several letters to the successive governments to protect the heritage of the town. I think the Rs 100-crore allocation would be enough to give it a facelift,” he said.
Dr. Baker in his book ‘Venice of the east, a report’ written in 1999 had emphasised the development of tourism industry in Alappuzha. Comparing Alappuzha with the Venice in Italy, Dr. Baker said that both the towns have a network of canals, distinctive country boats, old buildings and small shops by the side of canals.
He said that construction of modern structures out of character with the Alappuzha style should not be allowed. He had suggested the construction of water storage towers at various parts of the town from where tourists could drink pure water. “Before I went to school, Alappuzha was the only Indian town's name that I knew. I also believe that Alappuzha was a very unique town. It has a unity, a completeness and wholeness that very few other towns possess,” he wrote.
