Punnapra beach and an adjacent casuarina grove in Alappuzha to be developed into an ecotourism destination

With assistance from the ecotourism arm of the State Tourism Department, the Punnapra beach and a nearby casuarina grove in Alappuzha will be turned into an ecotourism attraction by the social forestry division of the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department. It is the first time a beach in the State has been turned into an ecotourism destination, according to officials. The State government has approved an administrative budget of Rs. 41 lakh for carrying out the project's first phase. The project's social forestry wing anticipates starting a number of tasks soon.

This is a pioneering effort in Kerala. Despite environmental conservation efforts taking place on beaches all around the state, none of them have earned the title of ecotourism hotspot. The initiative will assist in growing the local economy and create jobs. "The public will be involved in its implementation. The initiative will also improve the conservation of the beach and the Casuarina grove, which have both been looked after for years by the social forestry division.

According to officials, this is the first time the Forests Department has undertaken a significant tourist project outside of the forest. Pathways, seating areas, semi-camping sites, an information center with display materials, a dining area, eco-shops, restrooms, a parking lot, a waste disposal system, and other amenities will be built up, even if no significant permanent structures are envisioned. In the second phase, the authorities intend to offer caravan tourism, camping, and other services.