The KERALA HYDEL TOURISM CENTRE is a society constituted as per the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act (Act XII of 1955) on 01/12/1999. The Hon'ble Minister for Electricity is the Chairman of the society.
In God's own country'; the Western Ghats, copious monsoons and river lines together haven facilitated a civilization where the omniscient gurgle of water defines nature, living, sustenance, ethos, history and culture. For its enviable advances in modernity too, this land that is distinguished as the most educated, liberal and secular society in the country, has harnessed the power of its water resources- About 30 Hydel power stations in Kerala together actualize a total installed capacity of 2500 MW; and also offer themselves as testimonies of the continuing endeavor to engineer sustainable energy for an advancing society.
Carefully planned and executed, Hydel Projects are prime symbols of growth, promoted by the KeralaState Electricity Boardand have added to the pristine charm of Kerala. It is only natural that the vast water reservoirs associated with these Hydel projects lying in the lap of the mighty hills are becoming the nerve centers of tourism in the state. These project areas, spread over the state are marvelous in their land formation and splendid in their kaleidoscopic beauty. At present, the Centre provides tourism facilities through three of its exotic locations in Munnar, Mattupetty and Kundala , with boating activities in all the three centres, apart from maintaining an attractive park in 16 acres of land near R.A Head works, Munnar. During festive occasions, the opening of the Idukki Arch Dam for visitors, together with the facility for speedboat rides in the Idukki Reservoir is also arranged through the Centre More than 4 Lakh tourists visited these locations during 2004-2005.
The KERALA HYDEL TOURISM CENTRE is a caring innovation from Kerala State Electricity Board with the Hon'ble Minister for Electricity as the Chairman of the society. The objectives of the Centre are;
- To effectively harness the water based Tourism potential of the Hydel project areas of Kerala
- Facilitate socio-economic benefits to the remote areas that house the Hydel projects by effectively utilizing the ambience & the disused infrastructure around completed Hydel projects, but without affecting its prime functions.
- Maintenance and enhancement of ecology of the Hydel Projects and preserve them for the posterity.
- Creation of awareness on the socio-economic advantages of Hydel projects.
- Production and promotion of educative and informative publications furthering Hydel-tourism.
- Develop tourist circuits connecting Hydel Project areas in the state, comanize conducted tours, provide boating and other recreational facilities for the tourists while ensuring the safety and security aspects of the vital installations.
- Fulfill the obligation to the local population affected by the implementation of the Hydel projects, by generating employment & income for them, both direct and indirect
- Develop ecologically viable Resort Complexes in the vicinity of the project areas.
- Research the impact of tourism on Hydel Power locations, associated biosphere and localized habitations.
