Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt plans to develop Muziris as a global tourism destination by attracting investment from private funds and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and to push for a Unesco world heritage site label.The plan that involves Rs 190 crore was discussed at Reimagine Kerala round table conference held in the state capital.Muziris is an ancient port city, spanning from North Paravoor to Kodungallur, from where excavations found evidence of ancient trade links with Romans, Greeks, Persians, Chinese and Arabs in the first century BCE. The heritage project area spread across 150sq km has 32 museums, forts, palaces, temples, Jewish cemeteries, Christian seminaries, traditional houses, boat making yards and old markets.Muziris has all the right elements to be nominated by Unesco as a cultural landscape like the living root bridges in Meghalaya, said experts.Manoj Kumar Kini, managing director, Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd, who chaired the session, said Muziris heritage project is considered more as an archaeological site with academic interest rather than a tourist destination. “So, govt needs to take steps to ramp up its tourism potential by introducing activities like paddling and other adventure sports,” he said.He also said that excavations at Kottapuram mound 2, Mathilakam and Cheraman Juma Masjid need to be completed, while a memorandum of understanding has been signed with MG University and Sreenarayana Open University and two more colleges as part of promoting academic research and publications based on the findings.There is also a need to undertake a preliminary study to design a ‘spice route’ heritage circuit, complete the conservation of three heritage buildings and convert 11 structures into museums.The museum designs have been completed for five of the 11 structures. Conservation work on 28 structures has been completed.The tourism department said arterial roads in the Muziris heritage sites have been improved, while govt has sanctioned the construction of 14 jetties to promote boat traffic along waterways once used by traders in ancient times. Under centrally funded projects, a visitor centre at Gothuruthu, tourist interpretation centres and signage are also being developed.The state govt should work with the Centre to push for the Unesco recognition, said Shikha Jain, a conservation architect and heritage specialist.An interactive and story-based museum like the Roman Villa Heritage museum in UK would be a model for the Muziris project rather than a conventional museum concept, said Femke Bijlsma, partner and content developer at Amsterdam-based design firm Kossmanndejong.The experts also called for networking and interlinking the entire Muziris region which is currently scattered all around to offer a wholesome experience to the visitors.The conference also suggested enhancing connectivity from Kochi to Muziris project region through boats or cruises, recreating Kottapuram market on Sundays along with showcasing traditional art forms like koodiyattam, mudiyeetu, chavittunadakam and other cultural heritage associated with the region.However, govt did not announce plans for new excavations though some of the experts suggested that excavation should shift to the sea.
