Kaniyambetta panchayat in Wayanad unveils tourism plan; Kallanchira check dam to be developed as major tourist attraction

The Kallanchira check dam in Wayanad will be developed into a major tourist attraction. According to Kaniyambetta grama panchayat officials, boating and kayaking facilities will be introduced at the check dam. The proposed plan also includes walkways, seating arrangements and a children’s park.

It is among a host of projects proposed to make the local body a major tourist destination in the hill district. Other proposed projects include Mulaparambath canal, a public swimming pool at Panamkandi, a children’s happiness park at Thazhe Varadoor, Chittoor Tribes Museum, a seed storage and processing centre at Ambalakunnu, the Wayanad Coffee project and the proposed Cheekkalloor airstrip project.

The projects are part of the ‘Ever Shine Kaniyambetta-2030’ initiative, which seeks to develop major locations in the panchayat over the next five years. Kaniyambetta grama panchayat president V.P. Yoosuf said the initiative sought to integrate tourism, agriculture, heritage conservation, infrastructure development and air connectivity.

The Mulaparambath canal area will be developed with a children’s park, an open gym, walking paths, resting benches, gardens, shade trees and solar-powered lights, with the aim of making it suitable for recreation and physical exercise.

The public swimming pool at Panamkandi will be renovated and beautified with improved facilities for imparting swimming lessons to children and youngsters. The panchayat also plans to generate local employment by setting up ventures like a cafeteria there.

The Kavadam-Cheekkalloor approach road will be upgraded to improve connectivity. The proposed works include widening the road, laying interlocking tiles, constructing footpaths, installing solar streetlights and providing resting benches.

Trees and flowering plants will also be planted along the stretch. The proposed children’s happiness park at Thazhe Varadoor will be developed under the Destination Challenge scheme. It will have modern play equipment, a safe play area, an open-air stage, gardens, walkways, drinking water and toilets, among other facilities.

Officials said the Chittoor Tribes Museum would be developed to preserve and showcase the district’s Adivasi heritage and indigenous culture. The museum aims to introduce visitors to Adivasi art forms and traditional musical instruments.

The seed storage and processing centre to be developed at Ambalakunnu will ensure farmers have access to quality seeds and saplings. It will focus on the scientific storage and preservation of traditional rice varieties.

The Wayanad Coffee project seeks to enhance the market value of the region’s coffee and improve farmers’ income by promoting agricultural tourism and exploring new marketing opportunities.