Green check-posts rising in Munnar; Approval for Green Tourism Project
The green tourism project started on a trial basis in Vagamon is reaching Munnar. The district administration has approved a comprehensive green tourism project to set up green corridors, green check-posts, and waste treatment and power plants.
The Green Tourism Project aims to preserve the unique climate and biodiversity of Munnar and to make Munnar tourism more attractive. It also aims to solve waste problems scientifically and comprehensively with the participation of the people and to develop a responsible tourism style among tourists.
The Munnar Green Tourism Project is being implemented by the UNDP in collaboration with the Haritha Kerala Mission, Sanitation Mission, Pollution Control Board, Local Self Government Department, Forest and Wildlife Department, National Highways Authority, Police, and Kudumbasree. As part of the tourism project, the Neryamangalam-Munnar, Marayoor-Munnar, and Mattupetty-Munnar National Highways will be declared as green corridors.
Joint ventures of Haritha Karma Sena members will be formed in the various local bodies through which these roads pass. Under their leadership, green checkpoints will be opened at various places. In addition, green patrolling will be arranged under the leadership of Haritha Karma Sena and others. The project also has facilitation centers for sorting and handling passenger waste and providing other infrastructure.
There is also a plan to generate energy from the bio-waste collected by the Haritha Karmasena. The plant will be set up on two acres in Munnar Nallathanni Estate. At present solid waste from various parts of Munnar panchayath is piled up here. These will soon be removed by Clean Kerala Company and processed scientifically. A temporary waste treatment plant will be set up at the pig farm adjacent to the dumping yard for scientific storage and disposal of organic and inorganic wastes stored till the start of the plant. Thumburmuzhi and Windrow composting systems will be set up to treat bio-waste scientifically and make quality compost. To this end, IRTC has developed an inoculum (microorganisms that accelerate compost production) adapted to the unique climate of Munnar.
Corner meetings will be organized by the Munnar Panchayat with the participation of people working in the resort, homestay, and restaurant sector in Munnar, various political, cultural, and social organizations, trade and industry organizations, taxi and autorickshaw workers from all walks of life to implement the program.
