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Lobby the Chief Minister for Kerala

Please send an email to the Chief Minister for Kerala and the Minister for Tourism expressing your concern over the diversion of tsunami rehabilitation funds for the development of tourism, at the expense of coastal communities still struggling to recover from this unprecedented natural disaster.

Simply copy the text below into a blank email and send to the following:

To: chiefminister@kerala.gov.in
CC: minister@keralatourism.org; campaigns@tourismconcern.org.uk

Shri. V. S. Achuthanandan Honourable Chief Minister for Kerala Room No. 141, Third Floor, North Block Government Secretariat Thiruvananthapuram 695001 Kerala India CC: Shri. K. Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, Kerala Dear Honourable Minister, I am writing as a concerned tourist in relation to the Government of Kerala’s diversion of tsunami rehabilitation funds for the development of tourism, at the apparent expense of coastal communities that are still struggling to recover from this unprecedented natural disaster. I understand that India’s Central Planning Commission Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme (TRP) guidelines stipulate that TRP funds must only be used for the reconstruction of damaged tourism infrastructure. A Government of India commissioned study of the impacts of the tsunami, conducted jointly by the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the United Nations, made no mention of Kerala’s tourism infrastructure being damaged or in need of repair. These findings are reinforced by the media releases issued by Kerala’s tourism department, Kerala Tourism, just days after the tsunami, which declared Kerala as a ‘safe option’ for tourists. By using TRP funds for tourism developments, Kerala Tourism appears to be acting in violation of central government guidelines. Furthermore, I understand that many of the projects will directly conflict with the needs of tsunami-affected communities, placing their land and livelihoods under renewed threat. For example, it is anticipated that the artificial reef planned for the resort town of Kovalam will put 500 fishermen out of work. There is also a real possibility that waves deflected off the reef will cause increased erosion and infrastructural damage to neighbouring fishing communities. The above casts doubt on Kerala Tourism’s claims that the 20 sanctioned projects will provide protection from sea erosion, as does consideration of some of the items to be funded, which includes lampposts, flowerpots, electricity, kiosks, walkways, and even an amphitheatre. In addition, I understand that in some cases, effective natural coastal defences, such trees and sand dunes, will actually be removed under the tourism department projects. In light of the above, I respectfully urge the Government of Kerala to adhere to TRP guidelines by only using tsunami rehabilitation funds for the reconstruction of tsunami-damaged areas and to rebuild and protect the lives and livelihoods of tsunami-affected communities; and ensure transparency in the reconstruction process by implementing a system that will allow members of the public to track how tsunami reconstruction money is being used. Regrettably, I also understand that an opportunity to develop alternative livelihood opportunities through tourism for coastal communities still struggling to recover from the tsunami is being missed. I therefore urge your government to consult with local people to ascertain what their development needs are, including in relation to current and future tourism developments, and ensure that these consultations are participatory and involve marginalised sectors of society. Furthermore, I urge you to ensure that the planning and consultation process is transparent and addresses local concerns in a meaningful way; and to explore opportunities for tsunami-affected communities to benefit from tourism beyond employment in menial, low paid roles. Lastly, it is my understanding that the tourism projects submitted for funding under the TRP are unlikely to be subjected to a full environmental impact assessment. Given the concerns expressed by local people in relation to their potential environmental impacts, I urge the Government of Kerala to initiate a detailed review of each project by an independent, competent authority and ensure that, where necessary, the projects are subjected to a full environmental impact assessment; and to integrate tourism planning with other relevant state departments, particularly in regard to coastal and environmental protection measures. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter and l look forward to hearing your response to the concerns raised in this letter at you at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely,

Read more about the diversion of tsunami funds...