Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve awaits Kerala nod for funds

Kozhikode: The Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve, a place rich in mangrove forests and a stop for migratory birds, is still waiting for a sanction report from the state government to get funds from the Centre.

The announcement was made in 2007, when Benoy Viswam was the Forest Minister. Though he had visited the site many times,the committee that takes care of the reserve says the UDF government that came after showed no interest in the project.

Now, they are looking forward to the new minister advocate K. Raju for any advancement in the project, as the management plan was submitted in March 2012. It details the flora and fauna, which includes around nine types of mangroves and rare species in the area, which makes it ecologically special and sensitive.

The aim of the management plan is to set up basic necessities like toilets and drinking water facilities in the area. Currently, there are only four watchers for the project, and hence, 24x7 care for the 154-hectare land is difficult.

“We are expecting a positive approach from Forest Minister advocate K. Raju, who has promised to visit the community reserve on November 15. Approval from the state government is needed for the '14. 8 crore fund for the development of the community reserve into a tourist destination. The area is an ecologically sensitive one.” said Anil Marathu, founder chairman and present member of the management committee.

Though the area that includes an estuary and was celebrated earlier as the place for more than 60 types of migratory birds, global warming has already affected their arrival, the management committee says. The aim of the management plan is to set up basic necessities like toilets and drinking water facilities in the area.