Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project

by Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences
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Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project
Naalumanikattu: Rural Sustainable Tourism Project

Project Report | Jan 17, 2025
A Tale of a Dumping Yard: From Neglect to Transformation

By Anoopa Mathews | Project Assistant

Vegetable market
Vegetable market

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

  • Clean-Up Drives: Volunteers and local residents organized routine clean-up campaigns to remove years of accumulated waste.
  • Ecosystem Restoration: Native trees were planted along the stretch, restoring greenery and providing habitats for local flora and fauna.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure: Solar streetlights were installed, not only ensuring visibility but also reducing the carbon footprint.
  • Waste Management Mechanisms: Strict waste segregation and recycling policies were implemented, ensuring a zero-waste environment.
  • Kids park: Playground equipment such as slides and swings was installed, making the area a family-friendly destination for children.
  • Heritage Food stalls: Women-led food stalls were set up, offering traditional snacks on eco-friendly leaf plates, supporting both local cuisine and sustainable practices.
  • Community Engagement: Events, photography contests, and educational workshops were organized to attract visitors and raise awareness about environmental conservation.
  • Conservation efforts: The project tries to conserve the local biodiversity, heritage, and culture 

Outcomes of the Initiative

  • Preferred Local Tourist Destination:Naalumanikkattu has become a popular spot, with an average daily footfall of 500–1,000 visitors, including families, tourists, and photography enthusiasts.
  • Popularization of Heritage:Traditional food offerings have gained widespread appeal, becoming favorites even among the younger generation, thereby preserving and celebrating local culinary heritage.
  •  Women Empowerment and Livelihood Support: All 24 food stall vendors belong to BPL families. Their involvement has led to a remarkable socio-economic transformation, improving their quality of life and empowering them financially.
  • Improved Conservation: Local communities and visitors have become more aware of the importance of protecting biodiversity. Reports of conservation practices, such as tree planting and wildlife monitoring, have significantly increased.
  • Model Hygiene and Sanitation: Naalumanikkattu has become synonymous with cleanliness, sanitation, and healthy food practices. The area’s development paradigm is now celebrated for blending modern sustainability with natural aesthetics.

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.

Street stall
Street stall
Native tree planting
Native tree planting
Them enjoying the "breeze"
Them enjoying the "breeze"
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Organization Information

Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences

Location: Kottayam, Kerala - India
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @tiesktm
Project Leader:
Punnen Kurian
Kottayam , Kerala India

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