Kottayam: Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi has proposed including Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Lake in the Central Government’s prestigious new tourism development scheme. Speaking at a review meeting of central projects in Kottayam, the Minister shared that Pathiramanal is Kerala’s strongest contender for selection under this flagship initiative.

Major Infrastructure Boost Under PPP Model

The Central Tourism Ministry’s scheme, titled "One State, One Global Destination," aims to elevate 50 major tourist spots across India to world-class standards. Key highlights of the plan include:

• ₹300 Crore Infrastructure Budget: Allocated for basic infrastructure and accessibility upgrades across selected sites.
• ₹200 Crore Destination Management: Dedicated funding to establish comprehensive destination management frameworks.
• PPP Model Execution: Development will be executed on a Public-Private Partnership model once prime ministerial approval is secured.

Regional Impact and Benefits

If approved, the transformation of Pathiramanal Island will directly benefit nearby coastal and backwater regions, including Muhamma, Vechoor, and Mararikulam, boosting local livelihoods, eco-tourism, and hospitality businesses around Kumarakom.

During the meeting, Minister Suresh Gopi also commended Kottayam MP K. Francis George for his dignified conduct in Parliament, expressing his special interest in reviewing development projects for the region.