Landscape design of an integrated loop, Alappuzha

Abstract

Alappuzha, better known by the sobriquet ‘Venice of the East’ is a narrow land strip sandwiched between the Arabian sea and the Vembanad Lake. A network of canals intercept the town and connect it to the hinterlands . The erstwhile port town in the state of Kerala, was a bustling centre of trade during the 18th to 20th centuries. It’s a cultural landscape shaped by the trade activities of the 18th century on the natural systems of the region. Traces of the glorious past can be seen in the town as the abandoned ware houses, factories, canals etc. The canals are at the epicenter of that heritage, situated at the heart of the town itself. The cargo that came in to the port from all around the world was transported inland through these navigation corridors envisioned by Raja Kesavadas. Alleppey is a heterogeneous landscape and is also a highly fragmented urban landscape. It is a town that is seemingly stuck in time. The glorious past as a port town is all that it can boast of. Negligence and ignorance has put its heritage in a state of ruin- both the tangible and intangible elements. As the port gradually shifted to Kochi, the associated infrastructure started to become obsolete. And this neglect has led to the present dilapidated condition of the canals that once were the carriers of the economy of the region. Today, the humble town is known for its natural beauty, backwaters and endless paddy fields, coconut groves, house boats, boat races etc . Tourism has tapped into this potential, becoming the major economic activity of people in Alappuzha, making it an international tourist destination attracting around 50,000 tourists every year. The Government of Kerala has proposed several projects for the boost of tourism sector in Alappuzha and thereby eliminating poverty, unemployment, etc. and uplifting the quality of life of the people. The factors that can generate tourist flow to a place are local attractions, accessibility, facilities etc. Alappuzha is blessed with natural beauty. But, studies show that the average duration of stay for tourists in the town is 3 days. The field in which the town is lacking is the infrastructure available and an environmentally friendly approach to development. It is high time to sustain the quality of environment for future tourism activities of the region. The canals are to be revitalized as they are the backbone of the town. This shall serve as a boost to the tourism sector of Alappuzha inviting many more tourists to understand the culture and heritage of the erstwhile port town, while the canal as an image of the city can be preserved and enhanced in a holistic manner. The problems related to the sustainability of backwaters and the gaps in tourism infrastructure can be addressed. The study shall propose a comprehensive landscape plan for the region in order to preserve and enhance the landscape character of the town, with special attention to integrate the daily lives of the natives and also the activities of the tourists.