Changanassery Boat Jetty to be Developed into Tourism Jetty

CHANGANASSERY:
The Changanassery Boat Jetty will soon get a new lease of life as work has commenced for transforming the jetty into a Tourism Boat Jetty. The construction works were inaugurated by C.F. Thomas, MLA.
The development of Changanassery Boat Jetty as a Tourism Jetty is being executed with an aim to attract more international and domestic tourists. The project will also help Changanassery emerge as a gateway to various pilgrimage destinations and popular tourist spots, such as Kuttanad, and high-range regions across the Western Ghats. The project is being implemented by utilizing funds worth Rs 1 crore under Asset Development Fund of C.F. Thomas MLA.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, C. F. Thomas said that adopting tourism initiatives is the best option for reviving the Changanassery Boat Jetty, which once had a significant role in the lives of people here. “Travelling by boat has become a rarity these days, and this has made boat jetties insignificant. Jetties in Chengannur and Athirambuzha have already become defunct, while the ones in Kottayam and Changanassery are surviving somehow. The only way to revive the significance of these jetties is by resorting to tourism”, he said.
C.F. Thomas also said that the government should address the need for cleaning water hyacinths that have filled the lakes in and around Changanassery, Kuttanad, and Kumarakom. He also opined that tourism in Changanassery will develop only if domestic tourists are treated equal to international tourists.
Changanassery Municipal Chairman Sebastian Mathew Manamel presided. Biju Varghese, Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Kottayam, presented the report. Dr. Bindu Nair, Secretary, District Tourism Promotion Council, Kottayam, welcomed the gathering.
Sunny Changankeri, Panchayat President, Vazhappalli; Suma Shine, Municipal Vice Chairperson; Ambika Vijayan, PWD Standing Committee Chairperson; Dani Thomas, Welfare Standing Committee Chairperson; Krishnakumari Rajashekharan, Opposition Leader in the Municipal Council; Ramadevi Manoharan, Councilor; Jessy Varghese, Councilor; K.O. Abraham, Panchayat Member, Vazhappalli; K.C. Joseph; M.D. Devarajan; K.T. Thomas; Sabu Mullasseri; Mathukkutty Plathanam; M.S. Vishwanathan; K.R. Saburaj; Raju Antony; Satheesh Thengumthanam; Sabeesh Nedumparambil; Benny Mannakkunnel; and Sabu Koyipalli offered felicitations. T.S. Sajeevkumar, Station Master, KSWTC, Changanassery, proposed the vote of than