Maravanthuruthu, which got rid of its garbage dumps, is now a tourist paradise

KOTTAYAM: A land, full of garbage, is getting transformed into a tourism centre and a paradise of art and sights, thanks to the people's participation. This miracle took place at Maravanthuruthu in Vaikom. The village, which advanced in tourism after the Tourism Department and the Panchayat joined hands, got a place in the 'Street Project' of the Responsible Tourism Mission and won the Tourism Global Award for Kerala.

The plight of Maravanthuruthu started when all 18 canals of the region turned into garbage dumps. Later, the tourism department, the panchayat and the locals intervened and the canals, which were the centre of diseases, were turned into 'Water Streets'. Mangroves were planted to strengthen the banks. The authorities started street clusters to ensure that garbage does not fall into the canals. Green Action Force was tasked with collecting non-organic waste from homes. The walls of each house slowly became art streets. The walls of each house slowly became art streets. Now, Attuvela, Garudan Thookkam, Bhadrakali Theeyattu, village life and characters of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer are telling stories on the walls. The canals that regained their breath of life are full of fish. Locals are earning income by launching shikara boats and small boats that could be paddled by tourists. Kayaking with expert assistance is also available for tourists.