Date:31/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073150710200.htm

Kerala - Kozhikode

Dearth of facilities at tourism centre

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: The Malayora Vikasana Samithi has said that the tourist centre in Peruvannamuzhi lacked even basic facilities.

Rajan Varkey, president of the Samithi, has said the precincts of the dam and the bus stop at the main gate of the centre had no lights. Even those that burnt were of low voltage placing the entire area in darkness. Potholed roads and an unkempt garden await tourists there.

Mr. Varkey wanted the District Collector to intervene and ensure that adequate facilities are provided at this centre, one of the important tourist spots in the district. Also, with the terrorist threat, it was vital that sufficient lights are provided in the area surrounding the dam, as a matter of safety.

The pathetic state of the tourist centre continued when the much-touted eco-tourism project is to be inaugurated here on August 10, a programme in which two Ministers are to participate.

The Forest Department, which is in charge of the eco-tourism project, has cited funds crunch for the lack of facilities there. Even the pathway leading to the crocodile habitat is in a pitiable state, posing a safety hazard to tourists.

Under the circumstances, the Samithi wanted the Collector to intervene and set matters right urgently.