Wayanad: The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is all set to promote bamboo rafting and kayaking in the Kabani River around Kuruva Island to attract more tourists to the destination. The initiative is for reactivating the tourism industry in the region as the forest department had closed down Kuruva Island on directions from the High Court on February 17, this year. The closure has resulted in a dent in the revenue of local people who depend on the industry to eke out a living.
A team of officials headed by District Collector Dr Renu Raj and DTPC secretary K G Ajesh visited the Kuruva islands recently to have an on-ground feel of the possibilities of bamboo rafting in the River Kabani around the island. At present, bamboo rafts and wooden boats are used to ferry tourists to the island crossing the water body. With more custom-made rafts made available, tourists can sail around the island in the rafts on an hourly basis, thus exploring the serene nature in a better way, it was pointed out.
After the visit, District Collector Dr Renu Raj told reporters that there are large numbers of tourists who love water sports including kayaking and rafting. “The Kuruva Islands are ideal for bamboo rafting, and there are many experts in bamboo rafting among the staff in the centre,” she said. “The vast as well as calm water body is ideal for bamboo rafting,” she added.
“Being eco-friendly, there will not be any opposition from the forest department against inducting bamboo.