The government and the tourism department have ignored the potential of the Kole wetlands to develop it as a tourist destination. Despite the 20,000-acre Kole wetlands in Thrissur district, not a single tourism scheme has been implemented to attract tourists.

Currently, Alapad Pullu, the most visited area by tourists, only has a toddy shop and a boat ride in a 50-cent lotus field. New projects could greatly benefit both tourists and the local population. Many people are hesitant to visit the Kole wetlands, which have become a haven for drug users.

What Happened to That Plan?

In 2017, the district administration decided to implement the Pullu-Manakody eco-tourism project, but there was no follow-up. As part of this plan, Rs 50 lakhs was sanctioned. The plan included boating, treehouses for bird watchers, bait fishing facilities, direct purchase of fish from farmers, educational agriculture tours, an eco-museum and cycle tourism.

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The Chenam Tarish Padavu Committee (Action Council) attempted to start a program for catching and cooking fish live in the Chenam field, but it failed. Many people also visit for cycling through the bunds in the Padasekharam.

Residents of the eight panchayats attached to the Kole wetlands currently rely on distant locations for family outings. The introduction of Kole tourism projects could address this issue and create employment opportunities for the locals.

Kole Wetlands Are Not Small

The Kole wetlands have been declared a Ramsar site. (In 1971, the International Wetlands Convention held in Ramsar, Iran, initiated the designation of Ramsar sites for the protection of biodiversity areas.)

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Known as a birdwatcher's paradise, the Kole wetlands are home to over 270 species of birds, including more than 100 migratory species. This wetland ecosystem is rich in freshwater fish, shrimp, frogs, prawns, clams, crabs, and snakes.

Approximately 35 percent of the state's paddy is produced in the Kole wetlands' paddy fields. The area also supports extensive agriculture and cattle rearing.