ECO-TOURIST PLACE-KAKKI AND GAVI
The
Forest Department is launching an ecotourism project, most probably by August
15, with the Kakki-Anathode twin reservoirs and Gavi as the locus.The
reservoirs of the Sabarigiri hydroelectric project is in the Ranni forest
division. R. Kamalahar, Divisional Forest Officer, told The Hindu here
on Tuesday that the idea was to make people aware of the importance of forest
conservation by taking them on a tour of the forests, familiarising them with
the flora and fauna. Boating in the reservoirs and a forest trail would be the
main attractions of the project in its first phase.The department was exploring
the feasibility of introducing a trekking package, cloud-walk, jungle huts,
treetops walk and so on in the second phase.Mr. Kamalahar said only 100
tourists would be allowed a day and they would be taken to the forests on
custom-built 25-seat buses to watch the wild animals in the enchanting forests.
The
bus would start from the Kochandy check-post to Gavi. Tourists could drive to
Gavi, 60 km from the check-post, with permission.They could book the day-long
trips over the phone at a special counter to be opened at the check-post. Entry
into the forests from Kochandy would be allowed only between 7 a.m. and noon.Mr.
Kamalahar said the department had to comply with rules, regulations and guidelines
issued from time to time for the conservation of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.Vanasree,
a forest development agency of the department, would operate the ecotourism
project.The agency would open refreshment stalls and eco-shops at Kochandy,
Kakki and Gavi.
Prof.
John Kurakar
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