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The tourism department’s proposed project to promote adventure tourism at the Boat House in Ooty lake at a cost of 5 crore is likely to hit rough waters with the Confederation of Environmental Associations of Nilgiris (CEAN) petitioning the Nilgiris collector against the project, which it said was a clear violation of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rule, 2017, and punishable under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Pointing out that the project would require digging of sub-soil and setting up of concrete revetments, it said the same would block the flow of subsurface water. The project proposes a zip line, zip cycle, canopy tour, bungee jumping, suspension bridge, roller coaster zipline and rocket ejector at the Boat House.
The Lockhart estate, with a legacy dating back to 1879, has been chosen as the backdrop for CGH Earth’s expansion into the tea plantations of Munnar. CGH Earth’s collection comprises 16 holiday resorts and four carefully curated wellness retreats. These properties draw inspiration from the knowledge and practices of local communities.
As per Section IV of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rule, 2017, any construction of permanent nature, except for boat jetties, within 50 meters from the mean high flood level observed in the past 10 years shall be prohibited within the wetlands.Surjit K Chaudhary, chairperson and coordinator of CEAN, said there was no record available with the tourism department about the high flood level that occurred in the past 10 years in the Ooty lake. “The district collector is the authority for the wetlands and its preservation. Hence, we have filed a complaint with the collector in connection with the upcoming projects in the Ooty lake and the railway station in the name of development,” he said.
He said the railway authorities were constructing a car parking lot in a wetland at the Ooty railway station.
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