The state tourism minister recently flagged off the much-anticipated seaplane project, marking a milestone as a 17-seater plane took off from Kochi's Bolgatty and landed at Mattupetty Dam’s newly prepared water drome in Idukki in just 27 minutes. This project aims to connect Kerala's water bodies and major tourist destinations via seaplane services. Unlike traditional planes, seaplanes take off and land on water, allowing passengers to board and disembark at floating water dromes. Initially based in Kochi, the seaplane service will link reservoirs in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Mattupetty Dam with plans to expand to Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Malampuzha, and Bekal. Given Kerala’s many water bodies, this project shows immense promise.
The recent seaplane flag-off brings to mind past protests against development. When the UDF government launched this project in 2013, opposition from left-wing leaders led to its withdrawal. Similarly, about ten years ago, houseboats faced protests, yet they are now a profitable tourist attraction. The same resistance is seen with the seaplane project today. Projects like Kochi Airport, Kochi Metro, Gail Gas, and Vizhinjam Port—initially delayed by anti-development protests—eventually won over many critics, highlighting history's irony. Our tourism sector needs these initiatives, and political affiliations should not be a barrier. Let’s at least emulate neighboring states that support development without political bias.
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