KUMARAKOM, August 21, 2026: Union Minister for Tourism Suresh Gopi visited the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on Thursday to review the ongoing renovation and tourism development works being carried out under the Central Tourism Ministry's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located at Kavanattinkara and managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), is undergoing a major improvement project with an investment of ₹13.5 crore. Officials informed the minister that the renovation is expected to be completed next month.

During his visit, Suresh Gopi inspected the ongoing works and reviewed the facilities being developed for visitors. He also discussed the sanctuary's infrastructure and the measures being taken to improve the overall visitor experience.

The Union Minister suggested developing a dedicated fruit garden within the bird sanctuary, with suitable measures to protect the area. He also called for planting additional trees, including species such as poovarasu, to strengthen the sanctuary's green environment.

The minister further suggested introducing a system to monitor oxygen levels within the sanctuary and increasing tree cover to support a healthier natural environment. The proposals are aimed at enhancing the ecological character of the sanctuary while making it more attractive and informative for visitors.

Officials briefed the minister on the tourism facilities included in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 project and the infrastructure improvements being undertaken at the sanctuary.

Suresh Gopi's visit comes at a time when Kumarakom is gaining renewed attention as a nature and birdwatching destination. The bird sanctuary is an important attraction for visitors interested in Kerala's wetland ecosystem, resident birds and the backwater landscape.

The minister reached the sanctuary after discussions at KTDC and travelled by speedboat from the lakefront towards Pathiramanal. Senior officials from the Union Tourism Ministry, KTDC and the Kottayam tourism administration accompanied him during the visit.

The ongoing development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is expected to strengthen Kumarakom's tourism infrastructure while giving greater emphasis to the sanctuary's natural environment and visitor facilities.