Tamil Nadu

Move to develop Megamalai Hills

THENI: Massive efforts are on to develop Megamalai Hills as eco-tourism spot to attract more tourists from various parts of the country.

At the same time, the hill will be developed without affecting ecology or disturbing flora and fauna.

A sum of Rs.70.50 lakhs was allotted for development of spices tourism, according to Collector S.J. Chiru.

He was inaugurating a summer festival at Highwayvys town panchayat on the hill here on Friday.

To begin with, basic infrastructure such as roads and drinking water facility would be created.

Unlike Kodaikanal or Udhagamandalam, massive structures would not be constructed to create staying facility.

Only eco-friendly accommodation will be created to attract tourists and protect environment.

Tourism potential is enormous in the district. We want to tap all the available resources. Main objective of conducting the summer festival in this hill station is to throw light on less popular but highly potential places of attraction.

About Rs.8 lakh was allotted for construction of tourists’ bungalow on Highwayvys under Western Ghats Development Scheme.

Equal importance will be given for socio economic development of the people in these areas. Local people will be roped in for development of the tourists’ attractions and guide tourists. “Role of media is very essential in popularising the hill station.”

Listing out other developmental activities to be taken up in other tourism spots, Mr. Chiru said drinking water and toilet facilities on Suruli Falls and cement flooring in Sri Boodhanarayana Perumal Temple would be taken up at a cost of Rs.9.5 lakh under part two of the scheme.

Sri Saneeswarar Temple at Kunchanur would have additional bathrooms, dress changing rooms and steps to water channel.

Road connecting Chinna Suruli and construction of steps and parapet walls near the falls would be taken up shortly.

Over 2,141 acres had been given to 1,744 landless farmers under free land distribution scheme in seven phases and soil health card given to 3,717 farmers.

Later, Mr. Chiru distributed prizes to winners of various competitions held at the town panchayat to mark the festival. Trekking competition was held to students in the morning. Tourists, revenue and forest officials took part.

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