Green Tourism Circuit in Pala awaits take off
More than a decade after receiving administrative sanction, the Green Tourism Circuit project in Pala remains a non-starter due to lack of interest shown by the authorities concerned.
With work stalled for over three years, speculation is now mounting that the government may shelve the project. 'The project office in Pala was shut down three years ago and the staff were transferred. We now hear that the government order (GO) related to the project is also likely to be withdrawn,' said an official source.
Pala, the gateway
Launched in 2013 during the tenure of the previous United Democratic Front government with K.M. Mani as Finance Minister, the project aimed at boosting domestic tourism and pilgrimage in the eastern high ranges of Kottayam district. It was envisioned as a circuit connecting religious and tourist destinations such as Illikkal Kallu, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Marmala Aruvi, Ayyampara, Wagamon and the Nalambalam temples. Pala was envisioned as the gateway, with supporting infrastructure like basic amenities. Also, revenue lands were earmarked at Marmala, Ilaveezhapoonchira, and Illikkal Kallu for setting up visitor facilities.
To implement the ₹145-crore project, a Green Tourism Circuit Society was constituted, which was later restructured in 2017 under the chairmanship of the Tourism Minister.
A major milestone came in October 2020 when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Green Tourism Complex in Pala town, regarded as a flagship component of the circuit. But no progress was made from there.
Earlier, work had been initiated to improve facilities at pilgrimage centres such as the Ramapuram Nalambalam, Bharananganam Sree Krishnaswamy temple, Edappadi Ananda Shanmuga Swamy temple and the Ezhacheri Umamaheswara temple. Steps were also taken to offer transportation services from Pala to various centres.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- The Hindu
Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad opposes plan to introduce uniform Kerala Studies course
The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Higher Education Minister R. Bindu over the introduction of a common curriculum on Kerala Studies in universities. In a memorandum jointly issued by KSSP general secretary P.V. Divakaran and president T.K. Meerabai, the organisation opposed the proposed plan to prepare a common curriculum across all universities based on a book published by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). Outlining its demands, KSSP stated its opposition towards a unified curriculum or textbook-centric approach for Kerala Studies. Such a stance could undermine the academic autonomy and restrict the ability of universities to reflect regional, cultural and historical diversity of their syllabi. It also stressed that the curriculum should go beyond tracing the conventional span of the State from its prehistoric hunter-gatherer roots to the Renaissance movements, and must include narratives of progressive democratic movements, the communist movement and the formation of modern Kerala. The move to rope in a private firm to publish the textbook has also come in for criticism. Calling the decision a violation of established academic procedures, the organisation demanded the restoration of due academic processes involving the Board of Studies and Academic Councils. Citing that most universities have already developed Kerala Studies content, KSSP urged the government to allow the statutory bodies of universities to independently refine these modules in consultation with the KSHEC, rather than imposing centrally produced content.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Horoscope Today, June 20, 2025: Financial stability, career growth and more
An uplifting financial development may bring some much-needed relief. You may notice your thinking is sharper today, allowing you to respond swiftly. Wisdom shared by elders could feel dated but still holds value. Property renovations may stretch timelines, so plan realistically. Your career outlook improves with sharp market insight. A scenic drive may offer beauty but watch out for traffic or sudden delays. Love Focus: Your partner's thoughtful actions will reflect how deeply they Number: 17Lucky Colour: Silver Encouraging wellness habits in the family takes effort but benefits everyone. Superfoods today support immunity and overall vitality. A scenic travel day may bring total joy whether you are exploring or simply unwinding. Emotional ties to old homes may surface, so reflect before acting. Mindful productivity at work will help you check off goals with satisfaction. Subjects you engage with spark curiosity and mental delight. Thoughtful luxury investments may create lasting financial comfort. Love Focus: Today's love moments feel vivid and worth Number: 7Lucky Colour: Dark Blue You may feel physically strong and emotionally centered, ready to explore what the day offers. Wanderlust is pulling you toward new places filled with excitement. Extra income today brings stability and reduces stress. Teaching optimism at home can lift everyone's spirits. If you are renting out property, remember it requires effort and follow-up. Resolving workplace tension could improve team coordination significantly. Love Focus: Offering emotional consistency will help your partner feel secure and Number: 5Lucky Colour: Dark Green Spotting symptoms early does not always stop an issue from developing, so stay cautious. Emotional conversations at home may require balance and sensitivity. Financial steadiness from a regular paycheck helps you plan ahead. Catching up with a former colleague may offer unexpected career insight. Real estate decisions may lead to fresh, promising avenues. Travel brings joy and fulfillment today, so embrace new discoveries. Love Focus: Giving each other emotional space today may deepen mutual Number: 2Lucky Colour: Magenta A shift to a new city may be exciting if you consider amenities and potential. Your earnings are steady, but consider adding another stream for security. Family vision boards help clarify dreams, even if aspirations clash. Managing crowds at tourist spots may require extra patience today. You are making a growing impact professionally, but refining leadership is key. Health feels stable, though some dip in motivation may occur. Training progresses without surprises but remains consistent. Love Focus: Allow powerful connections to unfold without rushing Number: 1Lucky Colour: Red Innovative ideas may reshape your workflow, improving efficiency. An unexpected financial gift could strengthen your savings. Tenant issues may arise, so handle rentals with care. A sibling disagreement may ease if handled with patience and understanding. Travel today will uplift you, whether you hit the road or catch a flight. Physically, you may feel your best, with every system functioning optimally. Love Focus: Supporting emotional growth today will elevate your connection Number: 6Lucky Colour: Brown Staying low-carb could help you feel light and energized today. Financial transactions go smoothly online, but double-check all security steps. Household chores need fair distribution to keep things running well. A new assignment at work may demand extra mental focus. Home loan options might seem confusing, so evaluate patiently. A drive today could be relaxing, with a mix of smooth and slightly bumpy stretches. Love Focus: A thoughtful gesture today could reignite your original Number: 22Lucky Colour: Light Yellow A job offer may disappoint during salary talks, so weigh your options. Visiting your ancestral home might stir mixed emotions. Renovation work may move slowly but will be worth the wait. Sudden vehicle expenses could stretch your budget unexpectedly. Travel may bring spiritual fulfillment if you walk paths rooted in heritage. Flexibility exercises today could help ease tension but avoid sudden motions. Studies today may feel average, with no major highs or lows. Love Focus: The universe seems to be lining things up for an unforgettable Number: 3Lucky Colour: White Staying hydrated and eating on time keeps energy balanced. An uncertain career decision can be clarified by listing pros and cons. Family tension may rise if serious topics are rushed into, so handle gently. Gold investments may be steady, but returns will take time. Travel plans move at a moderate pace with a few scenic breaks. Rental property upkeep may involve sudden fixes, so keep funds aside. Study flow remains balanced, neither dull nor too demanding. Love Focus: Soul-deep love may feel distant today due to present-day Number: 6Lucky Colour: Pink Supporting an elderly parent can be emotionally rewarding, but it may drain your energy. Home renovations will increase both comfort and future value. Your pace with money is slow but secure, allowing you to avoid risky decisions. At work, today's push may get you ahead of your weekly goals. Supplements help, but patience is key. Scenic drives today may bring calm and inner peace. Education today is stimulating and brings a renewed sense of enjoyment. Love Focus: Balance in emotions today creates a peaceful, loving Number: 9Lucky Colour: Peach Your cardio routine today builds both strength and focus. Communication without words at home strengthens emotional closeness. A happy travel day is in store, full of new places and experiences. Property relocation may offer better life and career opportunities. Loan refunds will move efficiently if you stay structured. Your clients will value your responsiveness, enhancing your reputation. Learning will feel joyful and motivating, making your study time enjoyable. Love Focus: Emotional kindness strengthens the connection you are Number: 18Lucky Colour: Purple Your team at work functions better today, though you may need to ease minor disagreements. Avoid too much caffeine today to keep your energy from spiking and crashing. Property buying requires thoughtful alignment between goals and budget. Supporting loved ones through change may leave you feeling stretched. A return on earlier financial effort could leave you pleasantly surprised. Love Focus: Show your feelings through small actions, let your gestures match your Number: 8Lucky Colour: Green (Astrologer, Palmist, Numerologist & Vastu Consultant) Choose sun sign to read horoscope
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Space Park will enable Kerala to climb new heights: Pinarayi
The Space Park will enable Kerala to scale new heights in the field of space research and lead to benefits in the space industries sector, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the Common Facility and R&D Centres of the Kerala Space Park. Mr. Vijayan also inaugurated the Kerala Aero expo 2025-a comprehensive showcase of India's space legacy, achievements and future missions at the function held at the Technocity Campus in Pallipuram on Thursday. He said that as part of these interventions, the State government is taking a new step in the field of space research under the name of K-Space. The activities of K-Space will be organised in such a way as to encourage new companies entering the field of space research and defence and also to work in conjunction with existing companies. 'The Kerala Space Park is an important intervention envisioned by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to energise Kerala's space research sector. It is being established in Thiruvananthapuram, which has many institutions that can claim a great tradition in the field of space research. The Space Park is envisioned to be useful in making the products required by these institutions available on an industrial basis and in attracting investors working in the space and defence sector,' said The Space Park's subsidiary institutions will also be established in Kozhikode, Kochi and Kannur. The construction of buildings covering 2 lakh square feet on 3.5 acres of land for the Space Park will be completed in the first phase. An amount of ₹244 crore will be made available through NABARD for this purpose.
