By Anoopa Mathews | Project Assistant
Once a symbol of neglect, the 300-meter long bund road the Manarcaud-Ettumanoor Bypass Road in Kottayam district, Kerala, was a dumping ground for all things discarded. Flanked by a vast 1200-acre paddy field, this stretch became a dark zone, devoid of streetlights and human presence, making it an easy target for illegal dumping. Slaughterhouse waste, household garbage, and debris marred the landscape, turning what could have been a serene roadside into an environmental disaster.
The air was heavy with the stench of decay, the waters were polluted, and the ecosystem was deteriorating. For years, this neglected space was avoided by commuters and locals alike, a stark reminder of human apathy toward the environment.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged when the Manarcaud-Ettumanoor Bypass (MEB) Residents Association, in collaboration with the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES), decided to take action. Driven by a collective vision to reclaim and rejuvenate the area, the Naalumanikkattu (Evening Breeze) project was born.
Activities that Brought About Transformation
Outcomes of the Initiative
Today, Naalumanikkattu is no longer a dumping yard but a thriving eco-tourism destination. Families, photographers, children, and tourists frequent the area, enjoying its natural beauty and sustainable facilities. The project has become a symbol of community-driven environmental conservation, blending ecological restoration with socio-economic empowerment.
A Call for Support
While Naalumanikkattu has come a long way, continued efforts are needed to sustain and expand its impact. We appeal to organizations, individuals, and environmental enthusiasts to support this transformative initiative. Together, we can ensure that Naalumanikkattu remains a shining example of what is possible when communities unite for a common cause. Let us transform more neglected spaces into thriving ecosystems and leave a legacy of hope for future generations.
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser