Green Rameshwaram” is an initiative of Vivekananda
Kendra under its Natural Resources Development Project (NARDEP)
activities. As a catalytic agent, Vivekananda Kendra has brought the
stakeholders together through networking to join hands in this
transformation. It reinforces the belief that true development happens
only when it is holistic and sustainable.
Rameshwaram is a unique island that has a special
place in the hearts of Indians. It contains within its shores history,
mythology, spirituality, religion, archeology, natural beauty,
bio-diversity. It attracts tourists and pilgrims in equal numbers.
To preserve its wonderful gifts of nature,
Rameshwaram needs to go green. It needs intelligent landscaping, green
transport, a solid waste-disposal system, an underground drainage and
sewage network, rain-water harvesting pits and livelihood opportunities
for locals through sale of special merchandise. Rameshwaram needs to
combine eco-tourism with religious tourism to preserve its place on the
tourist map of India. Any developmental activity in Rameshwaram should
focus on preserving its historical and archaeological monuments and
conserve its ocean bio-diversity spots even as provisions are made for
tourist influx.
While active involvement of the local stakeholders is
crucial to the greening of Rameshwaram, tourists too must be made
participants in its preservation. This can happen only through
education. Rameshwaram needs multi-media centres to showcase its
cultural, anthropological, natural heritage. A visit to Rameshwaram must
be an experience, not just a trip. This newsletter is an attempt to
showcase the initiatives happened in the month of August 2016 in
different verticals for updation and seeks your involvement and
participation like the Squirrel did to enable Lord Rama to build the
bridge to Sri Lanka.
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