New seven-km waterway ready for G-20 officers’ meet in Kumarakom

Kumarakom: Last-minute preparations are underway at the exotic backwater tourism destination of Kumarakom in Kerala for hosting the officers’ meet being organised as part of the G-20 summit.

Among the major facilities set up for the meet is a seven-km waterway on the Vembanad Lake. The waterway connects the lakeside hotels and resorts where the delegates from various countries would be staying.

Weeds cleared
All the water hyacinth choking the lake in the area near resorts has been cleared to ensure a smooth boat ride for the international participants of the meet. Arrangements have also been made to prevent the weeds from invading the area near the resorts from other parts of the backwaters.

Moreover, the lake has been dredged to increase its depth. Currently, work is underway to install reflectors on both sides of the new waterway.

Big houseboats
Meanwhile, an inspection was carried out jointly by officials of Irrigation, Ports and police departments to ascertain whether large houseboats could dock at the hotels and resorts in Kumarakom.

The authorities have already decided to bring delegates to the new convention centre at the KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation), which is the venue of the G-20 officers’ meet, by boat as a trip over land would cause traffic blocks on the roads in Kumarakom. According to the authorities, the delegates staying at Zuri Hotel would be taking the longest boat ride to the KTDC convention centre.

Other arrangements
The authorities have also built a floating jetty on the backwaters adjacent to the convention centre.

Another work involved sprucing up the offices for the conferences and beautification of the convention centre premises by planting lawns.

The paths on the convention centre’s ground too have been lined with decorative plants. Buggy vehicles for use by delegates also have arrived. Moreover, eight ‘shikara’ boats to take delegates from the KTDC’s property to their resorts would arrive soon.

The G-20 Sherpas’ (officers’) meet is scheduled to take place at Kumarakom in Kottayam district from March 30 to April 2.