Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre in state of neglect, footfall slumps
Kochi: The Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre, once a vibrant destination that drew domestic and international visitors in large numbers with its engaging farm tourism activities and a scenic appeal, is now in a state of neglect.
Abandoned huts, a ruined children's park, deteriorating tin-roofed structures and a defunct Vanchi Island reflect the overall decline, dealing a telling blow to tourism sector in the district. Climatic conditions and govt apathy are pointed out as the main reasons.
Located around 14km from the city centre, Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre — set up by Matsyafed in 2010 — was a popular hangout spot for Kochi residents, who enjoyed speedboat rides through fish farms, often witnessing leap of fish close to the boats.
The daily footfall has dipped from 500 to around 50.
At present, the tourism centre mainly offers limited boating facilities — two pedal boats, three rowboats and a solar-powered engine boat. The entry fee is Rs 150, which covers two boat rides and the use of recreational fishing hooks.
Visitors used to enjoy the unique fish-leap experience, which too has lost its charm due to a sharp decline in fish population. Damaged bunds around the farm area have also made it difficult to operate speedboats safely.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Learn How To Write Faster for Work (Find Out Now)
Grammarly
Learn More
Undo
The centre once featured small huts built in the middle of water, where visitors could enjoy food and relax. Today, all four huts are in a dilapidated state and the service has been discontinued. Although a floating hut was introduced a year ago, it too is damaged now.
The children's park is overrun by vegetation. The wooden log bridge connecting the main entrance to the eco-tourism centre is also in a ruined state. The walkway surrounding the farmhouse is no longer usable and visitors are greeted by piles of debris and construction waste left behind following the demolition of small buildings within the centre.
"We used to visit this place often. Today we came with family expecting the same charm, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment — there's nothing left to enjoy. No wonder visitors have stopped coming," said Edavanakkad native Raziya.
A staff member admitted that footfall halved during Covid and has continued to decline. "There is no attraction left for families, especially those with children. Meanwhile, a nearby private facility offering free boat rides and a toddy shop is drawing away visitors," he said.
The food outlet run by Souparnika Swayam Sahaya Sangham is also struggling. "Earlier, over 300 people dined here daily. Now, it's barely 25," said a staff member.
Theft of fish by locals is another concern. The authorities recently lodged a police complaint and a probe is under way. The farm primarily cultivates Poomeen (milkfish), Thirutha (grey mullet) and Karimeen (green chromide). It earned Rs 21 lakh in fish sales last financial year.
Farm authorities attribute the structures' condition to the area's harsh climatic conditions and lack of govt funding. "The huts were damaged due to flooding from high tide. They need to be rebuilt at a higher elevation. Vanchi Island was also destroyed by high tides. The bunds surrounding the farm are collapsing gradually due to weak soil, which also prevents us from operating speedboats at full speed, as it could further damage them.
Reconstructing the bunds alone will require crores," said an official source.
A senior Matsyafed official said a Rs 30-crore project is planned across three aqua tourism centres in the state, including Njarakkal. "With this fund, we expect to fully revamp the facilities there," the official added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Navi Mumbai airport to start with user fee of Rs 620
New Delhi: People flying out of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will pay a user development fee (UDF) of Rs 620 and Rs 1,225 for domestic and international journeys, respectively. Those flying in will pay a UDF of Rs 270 for domestic and Rs 525 for international flights. Taxes will be extra. The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has issued an ad hoc tariff card for NMIA, which will be applicable from the day the second airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region begins commercial operations till March 31, or issuance of regular tariff, whichever is earlier. In comparison, the standalone UDF — there are other charges too — as of now at Mumbai's CSMIA are Rs 207 per departing domestic passenger and Rs 726 per departing international passenger, both inclusive of taxes, according to airlines. NMIA had suggested a UDF of Rs 840 and Rs 1,500, with taxes extra, per departing domestic and international passenger, respectively. It had suggested a UDF of Rs 360 and Rs 750 per arriving domestic and international passenger, respectively, with taxes extra. "NMIA Pvt Ltd (on) Feb 7, 2025, submitted the multi-year tariff proposal (MYTP) for ΝΜΙΑ. The airport operator has indicated to achieve commercial operation date by Aug 2025 and the first control period will be from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Manchas, rugas e pele opaca? Uma aplicação disso à noite está virando febre. A arte do herbalismo Undo Airport operator has submitted details pertaining to master plan, concession requirements, traffic projections, capital expenditure (passenger terminal building, runways and taxiways, apron, cargo, fuel farm . .. )," the AERA order said. NMIA will begin operations within the next few months with a capacity of two crore passengers annually by building phase I & II together. The passenger capacity will increase it to five crore per annum by FY 2030, by when phase III will be completed. Phase IV and V will see the capacity increasing to seven crore per annum and nine crore per annum, respectively, with the timeline aligned to traffic growth requirement. "Capital Outlay Plan: Airport operator has proposed to infuse an amount of about Rs 57,333 crore on creating facilities at NMIA during the first three of the five phases. During the first and second phase, it has proposed to spend Rs 22,531 crore as capex," the order said. Till the time AERA comes out with the regular tariff for up to FY 2030, it has issued an ad hoc tariff for the upcoming new airport. "Tariff determination process may take some time and in the interim ad hoc tariff needs to be decided by AERA as requested by the airport operator," it said. The regulator examined NMIA's ad hoc tariff proposal and decided that the operator's "(proposed) UDF and landing need to be rationalised and moderated". A lower fee has been allowed. Similarly, the landing charge has been rationalised. An ad hoc tariff has also been approved for cargo operations. "Operator (NMIA) is directed to simplify the structure of tariff rate card for cargo handling services during regular tariff determination. Further, these charges and line items (considered on an ad hoc basis) will be rationalised and simplified … with the objective of enabling the growth and efficiency in cargo services in the region," the order said. The airport operator has also submitted a variable tariff plan (VTP) for landing charges for international operations to bring additional flights at the new hub. "The authority considers the same as an ad hoc tariff. However, the same will be examined in detail during the regular tariff determination exercise."
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
How a diplomatic chat in Karnataka sparked documentary on forgotten Italian explorers
Bengaluru: A casual diplomatic conversation between the consul general of Italy, Alfonso Tagliaferri, and Karnataka's minister for law, parliamentary affairs, legislation, and tourism, HK Patil, led to the creation of a unique Indo-Italian documentary. This film revisits the journeys of two Italian explorers who travelled through the Deccan region in the 13th and 14th centuries. On Monday evening, the consulate general of Italy, in collaboration with the tourism department and the Archaeological Survey of India, launched 'The India They Saw: Marco Polo and Niccolò De' Conti's Forgotten Journeys'. The film narrates the travels of two great Venetian explorers, Marco Polo and Niccolò de' Conti, who, during the 13th and 14th centuries, travelled to India and marvelled at what they saw. Recounting the moment of inspiration, Tagliaferri told TOI: "I was attending the Tourism Utsav organised by the Karnataka govt in June 2024 and happened to be seated next to minister Patil. As the slides on Hampi appeared, I realised how little was spoken about Karnataka's rich heritage in Italy. For most Italians, India is defined by Rajasthan, Kerala, Mumbai, and the Taj Mahal. The south, especially the Deccan, is often overlooked. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo " That conversation set off a research journey that led Tagliaferri to the forgotten travels of Niccolò de' Conti, who visited the Vijayanagara empire's capital Bizinegalia — present-day Hampi, and Marco Polo, who documented his time in Tamil Nadu's Mylapore and spoke of the riches and elephants of the Pandiya dynasty. Motivated to revive these lost narratives and spotlight South India's historical ties with Italy, Tagliaferri collaborated with Ganesh Shankar Raj, director of MINDIA. "He instantly agreed to work on the film. He assured me he would deliver it at the earliest," said Tagliaferri, who has just two weeks left in India, for he will be posted next in Berlin. The idea took formal shape in Sept 2024, was proposed to the Italian govt in Jan 2025, received partial funding in Feb. Filming began in March and wrapped a month later, and post-production is now under way. The documentary includes extensive footage from Tamil Nadu and Hampi, enhanced with computer-generated graphics to recreate the grandeur that once was, compensating for the current poor state of preservation in Hampi. "The way De' Conti described Hampi is astonishing — especially his account of how king Devaraya I built his empire and maintained a powerful army," said Ganesh. "It's heartbreaking to see the ruins in their current condition. " The 30-minute film also captures the cultural vibrance of Hampi during festivals, the pearl trade in Mylapore, and the wartime use of elephants described by Marco Polo. Tagliaferri praised the Karnataka govt for its swift support during production. "Unlike in many other places where permissions are time-consuming, the Karnataka govt was immensely cooperative. The warmth and openness here has strengthened diplomatic ties between Italy and Karnataka." The film is set to be dubbed into Kannada for wider reach within the state. "The idea is now to offer it, free of charge, to airlines that connect Italy and India, and to the many OTT platforms on the market. Patil said: "I hope the film sparks fresh journeys, strengthens the friendship between our peoples, and inspires travellers, filmmakers, and storytellers to explore Hampi and nearby treasures like Anjanadri Hill, Aihole, Lakkundi, and many more, sharing Karnataka's living heritage with the world."
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre in state of neglect, footfall slumps
Kochi: The Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre, once a vibrant destination that drew domestic and international visitors in large numbers with its engaging farm tourism activities and a scenic appeal, is now in a state of neglect. Abandoned huts, a ruined children's park, deteriorating tin-roofed structures and a defunct Vanchi Island reflect the overall decline, dealing a telling blow to tourism sector in the district. Climatic conditions and govt apathy are pointed out as the main reasons. Located around 14km from the city centre, Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre — set up by Matsyafed in 2010 — was a popular hangout spot for Kochi residents, who enjoyed speedboat rides through fish farms, often witnessing leap of fish close to the boats. The daily footfall has dipped from 500 to around 50. At present, the tourism centre mainly offers limited boating facilities — two pedal boats, three rowboats and a solar-powered engine boat. The entry fee is Rs 150, which covers two boat rides and the use of recreational fishing hooks. Visitors used to enjoy the unique fish-leap experience, which too has lost its charm due to a sharp decline in fish population. Damaged bunds around the farm area have also made it difficult to operate speedboats safely. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How To Write Faster for Work (Find Out Now) Grammarly Learn More Undo The centre once featured small huts built in the middle of water, where visitors could enjoy food and relax. Today, all four huts are in a dilapidated state and the service has been discontinued. Although a floating hut was introduced a year ago, it too is damaged now. The children's park is overrun by vegetation. The wooden log bridge connecting the main entrance to the eco-tourism centre is also in a ruined state. The walkway surrounding the farmhouse is no longer usable and visitors are greeted by piles of debris and construction waste left behind following the demolition of small buildings within the centre. "We used to visit this place often. Today we came with family expecting the same charm, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment — there's nothing left to enjoy. No wonder visitors have stopped coming," said Edavanakkad native Raziya. A staff member admitted that footfall halved during Covid and has continued to decline. "There is no attraction left for families, especially those with children. Meanwhile, a nearby private facility offering free boat rides and a toddy shop is drawing away visitors," he said. The food outlet run by Souparnika Swayam Sahaya Sangham is also struggling. "Earlier, over 300 people dined here daily. Now, it's barely 25," said a staff member. Theft of fish by locals is another concern. The authorities recently lodged a police complaint and a probe is under way. The farm primarily cultivates Poomeen (milkfish), Thirutha (grey mullet) and Karimeen (green chromide). It earned Rs 21 lakh in fish sales last financial year. Farm authorities attribute the structures' condition to the area's harsh climatic conditions and lack of govt funding. "The huts were damaged due to flooding from high tide. They need to be rebuilt at a higher elevation. Vanchi Island was also destroyed by high tides. The bunds surrounding the farm are collapsing gradually due to weak soil, which also prevents us from operating speedboats at full speed, as it could further damage them. Reconstructing the bunds alone will require crores," said an official source. A senior Matsyafed official said a Rs 30-crore project is planned across three aqua tourism centres in the state, including Njarakkal. "With this fund, we expect to fully revamp the facilities there," the official added.
