The Hindu : Baker report on Alappuzha gathers dust

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 24, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Baker report on Alappuzha gathers dust

By A. Harikumar

ALAPPUZHA Aug. 23. A novel low-cost development plan, for reviving the fortunes of Alappuzha town, which lays emphasis on optimum utilisation of available resources, drafted by the noted architect, Laurie Baker, lies unnoticed even as the Government was approaching funding agencies with mega projects.

The new development approach as delineated by Dr. Baker in his book `Venice of The East, A Report' written in 1999 lays emphasis on development of tourism industry for taking Alappuzha back to its glorious days.

The report does not visualise execution of projects costing several crores. Instead it harps on the wholehearted participation of the public in development process for its success. After studying the present realities, the report finds that only the tourism industry had the potential to rejuvenate the town, which was a bustling trade centre earlier.

According to the report, in the present situation, it was very difficult to regain the earlier importance of the town as a seaport and as a backwater ferry boat terminus. Lime production, which was one of the main industries of Alappuzha, does not have a future as lime is rarely used in the construction industry now, said the report.

It also observes that it was unlikely that Alappuzha would re-emerge as the main centre of coir industry. The report recommends against starting any big industry in the town as it would increase pollution and would make life hazardous for the residents. At the same time, the potential of the town to develop as a centre of tourism is enormous, says Dr. Baker. First of all, Alappuzha has sun, sand and the sea, which would satisfy an average tourist, he notes.

Pointing out the riches of Alappuzha, Dr. Baker observes that the famous and still beautiful canals, the distinctive old buildings by the side of it and a rich crop of ancient mosques churches and temples are all unique to Alappuzha.

"The fine beautiful rain trees and the comparatively quiet surroundings would endear the town to tourists,'' remarks Dr. Baker. Comparing Alappzha — the Venice of the East — with the Venice of Italy, Dr. Baker finds that both have many common features.

Both the towns have a network of canals, distinctive country boats, old buildings and small shops by the side of canals. But heaps of garbage by the side of canals, dirt and human excreta polluting the water of canals, unhygenic shacks serving tea and snacks are all peculiar to Alappuzha, notes Dr. Baker.

Filth repels tourists and priority should be given to keep the canals and its sides clean if the town has to attract tourists, says Dr. Baker. Shacks should be replaced with Kerala style clean kiosks with umbrellas and seats overlooking water, he says.

Referring to the old buildings, he warns that construction of modern structures totally out of character with the Allappuzha style should not be allowed.

Dr. Baker finds that Alappuzha had plenty of interesting history and historical monuments, including places of worship of various communities, and beautifully kept old tombs. Dr. Baker wants all posters pasted on buildings to be removed.

A Kerala style structure should be formed to affix posters, he says. For the purpose of removing waste, bicycles fitted with storage bins should be used, says Dr. Baker.

He recommends the construction of water storage towers at various parts of the town from where tourists drink pure drinking water.

Kerala style kiosks selling tender coconuts should also be built, he says. The kiosks should sell snacks and local fruits to tourists, notes Dr. Baker. Lamenting at the lack of reliable information for tourists, Baker suggests opening of information booths at all places where tourists gather.

But there should be only one centre at one place and the information provided should be correct, he says. They should be able to provide correct answers to the questions normally asked by tourists, says Dr. Baker.

Up-to-date time-tables should be made available there, he emphasises. Dr. Baker in his report opines against the construction of a sports stadium in the town and construction of a permanent pavilion at the finishing point of Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Big stadiums are white elephants, he notes. Dr. Baker also says he was against the creation of water sports facilities on Punnamada Lake.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Minister firm on power tariff hike

Baker report on Alappuzha gathers dust

Referendum in insurance cos. deferred

CPI(M) anti-Govt. campaign from today