VIVID

Nodal Officer V.Ramachandran Potty Managing Director Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd Phone : 6238028881          

  Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, House No.12/132 (1),”POOJA”, Behind Marthoma Church Road, Near Varkala Railway Station, Cherukunnam.P.O.Varkala-695141 Mobile No: 8547871170, 6238028881 Email: visionvarkala22@gmail.com   

A slew of projects to augment the tourism potential of Varkala are currently on. It is in this backdrop that Vision Varkala 2020 launched by Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (VIVID), a special purpose vehicle promoted by Kerala Government gains significance. A bali mandapam on the Papanasam beach, the first of the project under Vision Varkala 2020 has already been commissioned. This is meant for people coming from across the country to perform rituals and offer prayers in memory of departed souls on the day of vavu bali. The proposed National Centre for Performing Arts as part of Vision Varkala 2020 is meant for popularizing culture, heritage and tourism. This will be developed as a centre of international standards having tie-ups with the Association of Asia-Pacific Performing Arts Centre, Singapore for cultural and technology transfers across the globe. Two acres of land in the Government guest-house premises (Varkala) has been identified for the purpose and Rs.100 million allocated for the first phase of the project. Vision Varkala 2020 will also have a Sea Life Leisure Park as part of the water sports complex, which is first of its kind in the country, coming up on a 50-acre land. Implemented in PPP mode and aimed at increasing the tourist inflow to Varkala by five times, the park will serve as home to around 100 sea animals and five dolphins that will be used for entertainment and educational purposes. Rs.10,000 million has been allocated for the realization of this project.  A pre-feasibility studey is also envisaged with the help of CMFRI. The Global Ayurveda Village is another major project as part of Vision Varkala 2020 for the development of Ayurveda in Varkala (developed by Kerala’s mentor Sam Pitroda).  The Ayurveda village will be set up in 63 acres of land at Elakamon Panchayat. The Rs.2000 million project aims to make Varkala the world capital of Ayurveda with facilities for research and development and high-end treatment facility backed by high-class infrastructure. Vision Varkala 2020 is bound to enhance the significance of Varkala as a travel destination, which is annually visited by around 50,000 foreign travellers and 1.60 lakh domestic travellers.

Independent Audit Report and Annexures Approved Accounts 2020-21        

Projects /Activities undertaken by VIVID Corporation: Construction of Varkala Papanasam Balimandapam Centre for Performing Arts (CPA) Preparation of Master Plan for Varkala DPR Preparation for Waste Management Protection of Varkala Cliff Establishment of UNESCO Geo Park Establishment of Geo Park Museum Erection of National Geological Monument Board at Varkala Cliff area Skill Development Institute Geo-Spatial Information System Destination Development Location Areas of operation : Varkala Municipality Vettoor Grama Panchayat Chemmaruthy Grama Panchayat Navaikulam Grama Panchayat Madavoor Grama Panchayat Pallickal Grama Panchayat Elakamon Grama Panchayat Edava Grama Panchayat  

Sri Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister of Kerala Chairman, VIVID Sri P A Mohammed Riyas Minister for Tourism Co-Chairman, VIVID Adv.V.Joy Hon’ble MLA, Varkala Constituency Vice Chairman, VIVID Dr. A. Jayathilak. IAS Chief Secretary Director, VIVID Smt. Anukumari . IAS District Collector Director, VIVID Shri. K.Biju.IAS Tourism Secretary Director, VIVID Dr. Veena.N. Madhavan IAS Special Secretary, Planning & Economic Affairs Dept. Director, VIVID Adv. Adoor Prakash Hon’ble MP, Attingal Director, VIVID Shri.M.G. Rajamanickam IAS Secretary, Revenue Department. Director, VIVID Smt. Tinku Biswal IAS LGSD Principal Secretary Director, VIVID Adv. D. Suresh Kumar District Panchayath President, Thiruvananthapuram. Director, VIVID Shri V Ramachandran Potty Managing Director, VIVID Secretary,Finance Department.

To Plan, Promote, Develop, Operate, Own, Maintain, all infrastructure facilities; Prepare project and feasibility reports; Implement projects and development of schemes; Monitor economic and social welfare activities, Render technical, financial and marketing supports and Undertake developmental projects and services of Government, Public, Private & Joint Sectors. To provide all infrastructure facilities for establishing or for facilitating the establishment of, manufacturing, processing or packaging industries; electronic, hi-tech or knowledge based industries; agro-based, food processing industries; tourism, leisure, recreation, adventure, health management industries/ services, logistics infrastructure and warehouses, and; To render consultancy and advisory services in connection with infrastructure projects of any nature.      

A Special Purpose Vehicle was formed on 15th October 2011 for the comprehensive Infrastructure Development of Varkala. It has been registered as a Company namely, Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development (VIVID) Corporation Limited on 25th February 2013. The Corporation Implements various type of projects such as PPP, Joint Venture, Private and Public by mobilizing funds from Govt., NRIs, Financial Institutions etc… It is a fully Government owned Company formed under the Department of Planning &  Economic Affairs under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister.    Hon’ble MLA Varkala, Hon’ble MP Attingal,  Government Secretaries, District Collector and other Top Officials from various Govt organizations  are the other Director Board members of the Corporation.        

Varkala is a coastal town, popularly known as Dakshina kasi is a famous holy place from centuries ago. It is the suburban town of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum City). It is Located 50 Kilometers (Appro.32 miles) north – west of Thiruvanathapuram and 37 Km South- West of Kollam city. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea.[2] These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and are known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. Varkala is also famous for the 2,000-year old Janardana Swami Temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South).[3] The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties. The place was also called Udaya Marthandapuram, commemorating the contributions of Udaya Marathanda Varma, a Travancore King, to the development of Varkala. The king in 1762 built rows of houses in the obscure sea side village of Varkala in order to make the local Brahmins settle here. There are several stories and legends related to the birth of this place. One such story is related to the construction of the Janardhana Swami temple. Lord Brahma instructed one of the Pandyan Kings to build a temple in order to redeem his souls from the sins he has committed. In his dreams the king received a prophecy which suggested Varkala as the location to build the temple. The name of the place is attributed to another legend of Sage Narada. According to this legend, Sage Narada was visited by the nine prajapathis who told him that they had sinned. He threw his valkalam (garment made of tree bark) to earth. Narada told the prajapathis to go there and pray for their redemption. Since then the scenic village were the valkalam fell was called by the name Varkala (derived from valkalam). Varkala was known to ancient foreign traders, says many historical documents. The place had been referred to as `Balita’ in The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, the ancient Greek manuscript describing navigation and trading opportunities. Topography Varkala has a distinctive topography and this itself is the highlight of the place. It not only harbours the scenic charm of a calm beach, but attains a majestic quality with the towering laterite cliffs along the beach. Standing like sentinels overlooking the turbulent sea, the cliffs provide the best enchanting view of the sea. The wide plateau of the cliffs also houses many hotels and restaurants. You can see long winding roads from Varkala town which leads to one of the higher cliffs, where a helipad has been built. The laterite cliffs, the golden sands and the rolling waves of the sea provide a unique charm to the place and its unique geological formation attracts a lot of geologists too to this place. The cliffs also harbour natural springs and they are believed to have medicinal qualities. You can see a lot of people taking bath in the medicinal springs. The beach here is called Papanasam beach which is believed to wash away sins. During monsoons, the place is less frequented by tourists due to sea erosion and heavy downpour. Kappil Beach, another major attraction in Varkala, is situated a few kilometres away and it also draws large crowd. The beauty of Varkala is enhanced by the presence of backwaters at some places and Ponnumthuruthu Island, surrounded by backwaters near Varkala is another hot tourist spot. A boat ride through the backwaters, watching the vegetation on either side is a delightful experience. Varkala town is well connected through road, rail and waterways to Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Water transport, which was the main means of travel during earlier times, has now become almost out of use. Climate Varkala has a moderate humid climate, with temperature ranging from 30 to 36 degree Celsius. It experiences heavy rains from June to August (Southwest Monsoon) and the average rainfall is 310cm. with heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. The best season to visit the place is October to February. Major Landmarks

Kerala at a Glance With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields, ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, an exotic cuisine, all of which offers a unique experience altogether. Kerala, India’s most advanced society has a hundred percent literacy rate. World-class health care systems, India’s lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates, the highest physical quality of life in India, peaceful and pristine, Kerala is India’s cleanest state. Geography With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, Kerala enjoys diverse geographical features. Kerala is divided into three geographical regions: Highlands, which slope down from the Western Ghats onto the Midlands of undulating hills and valleys into an unbroken coastline with many picturesque backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. The Western Ghats are nowhere more than 120 kms from the sea. Seasons Bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year, Kerala is a tropical land with the coast running down its entire length and the Western Ghats forming a protective barrier against the dry winds from up north. The monsoons (June-September & October-November) and summer (February-May) are the seasons markedly experienced here, while winter is only a slight drop in temperature from the normal range of 28-32°C. History Kerala’s history is closely linked with its commerce, which until recent times revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travelers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Almost all of them have left their imprint on this land in some form or the other – architecture, cuisine & literature. Location Kerala is situated on the southwestern coast of India, a country in South Asia. This tropical paradise enjoys a unique topography with Arabian Sea, a part of the Indian Ocean on the west and the Western Ghats on the east.  

Public Information Officer V.Ramachandran Potty Managing Director Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd Phone : 6238028881    

Applications Captive Elephant – Cutting of tusks Captive Elephants – Procession Compensation to victims of Wildlife Attack Cutting / Removal of Sandal tree Cutting Permission/Transit Pass for trees Exotic Birds / Pet Shops Film Shooting in Forest Areas Financial assistance for Sacred Groves Forest Clearance/ Wildlife Clearance Incentives for growing trees Nature Camp Property Mark Registration Research activities in Forest areas Research projects under the KFDF Vanamitra Award Wood Based Industries  

To scientifically manage the forests adopting an ecosystem approach such that the ecosystem goods and services from the forests flow to society both now and in the future. To conserve the wildlife within and outside forests To improve the water regime of forest catchments so that forest provides optimum water resources to the community. To enhance the social and cultural values of forests To increase the productivity of our forests and plantations To manage the forests on participatory and inclusive principles such that the livelihood needs of forest dependent communities are met. To conserve the rich biodiversity in forests and support community to conserve the biodiversity outside forest areas.   To create awareness and provide facilities to public through Eco-tourism initiatives To popularize tree planting among the public so as to effectively address the threat of global warming.

THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT The Kerala Forest Department is headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force).  In the Headquarters, he is assisted by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry). ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP OF KERALA FOREST DEPARTMENT Circles Circles Divisions Ranges Sections Beats Territorial 5 25 74 177 303 Wildlife 3 11 19 48 49 Vigilance 2 8 19 25 90 Social Forestry 3 14 37 223 – Timber Sales – 6 – – – TOTAL 13 65 149 473 442 Staff Strength Sl. No. Name of post Sanctioned Strength In Position         1 Principal Chief Conservator of Forests 5 5         2 Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests 6 6         3 Chief Conservator of Forests 12 11         4 Conservator of Forests 13 12         5 Dy. Conservator of Forest (IFS Cadre) 35 30         6 Forest Tribunal 1 1         7 Joint Secretary ( Law ) 1 1         8 Senior Finance Officer 1 1         9 Senior Administrative Officer 1 1       10 Deputy Director (Statistics) 1 1       11 Deputy Director ( Wildlife Education) 3 3       12 Asst. Conservator of Forests/ Deputy Conservator of Forests (NC) 101 101       13 Senior Administrative Assistant 9 9       14 Administrative Assistant 12 12       15 Personal Assistant 3 3       16 Senior Superintendent 36 36       17 Range Forest Officer 205 187       18 Deputy Range Forest Officer 158 147       19 Public Relation Officer 1 1       20 Assistant Forest Publicity Officer 3 2       21 Junior Superintendent 71 71       22 Head Accountant 74 74       23 Research Assistant 3 4       24 Senior Wildlife Assistant 3 3       25 Wildlife Assistant 7 5       26 Senior Clerk 443 443       27 Clerk 446 401       28 Statistical Assistant Grade. II & I 34 33       29 Fair copy Superintendent 8 7       30 Selection Grade Typist 33 33       31 Senior Grade  Typist 33 33       32 Typist Clerk 1 1       33 UD Typist 33 33       34 LD Typist 34 33       35 Confidential Assistant 39 34       36 Legal Assistant 1 1       37 Section Officer (Law) 1 1       38 Forest Veterinary Officer 1 1       39 Veterinary Doctor 1 1       40 Asst. Forest Veterinary Officer (on deputation) 12 11       41 Documentation Officer 1 0       42 Asst. Director (Survey) 1 1       43 Survey Superintendent 2 2       44 Surveyor Grade I & II 66 34       45 Bench Clerk(on deputation) 1 1       46 Head Surveyor 2 2       47 Section Forest Officer 952 858       48 Beat Forest Officer    2618   2371       49 Sheristadar cum Secretary 1 1       50 Head Draftsman 2 2       51 Draftsman 45 20       52 Circle Inspector of Police 2 1       53 SI of Police 4 1       54 Senior Civil Police Officer 22 10       55 Civil Police Officer 110 32       56 Librarian 1 1       57 Project Operator 1 0       58 Pharmacist 2 1       59 Dispensary Attender 1 0       60 Nursing Assistant 1 0       61 Binder 2 1       62 PT Instructor 6 1       63 Record cum Store Keeper 3 0       64 Museum Assistant 1 0       65 Office Attendant 420 401       66 Peon cum Sweeper 1 1       67 Daffedar 1 1       68 Attender 18 18       69 Dark Room Attender 1 0       70 Driver 247 221       71 Photographer cum Artist 1 0       72 Gardner 4 1       73 Traker cum Gardner 3 0       74 Gardner cum Marker 1 1       75 Cleaner 2 0       76 Watcher  & Forest Watcher 55 263       77 Muduvan Watcher 8 8       78 Night Watcher 25 20       79 RF Watcher 157 62      80 Depot Watcher 86 44       81 Tribal Watcher 700 685       82 Watcher cum Cook 6 1       83 Tapal Watcher 3 0       84 Rest House Watcher 1 0       85 Scavenger/Sanitary Worker 1 1       86 Cook/Asst. Cook 1 0       87 Boat Driver 12 6       88 Boat Zrang 1 0       89 Boat Watcher 6 0       90 Boat Cleaner/Cleaner 3 0       91 Lascar 4 1       92 Survey Lascar 11 2       93 Mahouts & Kavadi 26 20       94 Timber Supervisor 1 0       95 Pump Operator 1 1       96 Lab Assistant 1 0       97 Radio Mechanic 1 0       98 Helper 1 0       99 Bus Cleaner 1 1       100 Chowkeedar 1 0      101 Part Time Contingent Employees 293 293      102 Chief Forest Veterinary Officer (on deputation) 1 1      103 Police Asst. Sub Inspector Nil 2 Total 7836 7174 Details as on 31.03.2018 Source: Kerala Forest Statistics Report 2018

Kerala, at the southern tip of India, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with its verdant forests. Foreigners, drawn by the allure of spices like pepper, cardamom, and ginger, established trade as early as 3000 BC. This vibrant exchange continued throughout the centuries, with the 9th and 10th centuries seeing a surge in exports of pepper, teak, and ivory, while Kerala imported materials like fishing nets, pottery, and silk. Notably, until the 18th century, Kerala retained a remarkable three-quarters of its land as thick forests, highlighting the region’s ecological significance. Kerala retained three-quarters of its land as thick forests until the 18th century. Kerala’s forestry history is best explored through the distinct stories of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar, regions that later merged to create Kerala State. Travancore Cochin Malabar Travancore Travancore’s forestry story unfolded in the early 19th century, when explorers like Mr. Edyve set foot in South India, their keen eyes searching for potential teak timber to bolster the British shipbuilding industry. Lieutenant Ward and Coner followed suit in 1816, surveying Travancore and Cochin, meticulously documenting the region’s diverse forest resources. By 1820, timber extraction, primarily focused on the valuable teak, was underway. A dedicated timber depot was established in Alapuzha, expertly overseen by Captain Robert Gordon. Recognising the need for responsible management, Travancore appointed its first Forest Conservator, Mr. U.V. Munroe, in a crucial move towards safeguarding its precious forests. This progressive step also declared all forests government property, solidifying a sense of ownership and responsibility. Furthermore, 1844 saw the inclusion of rosewood and anjily (ironwood) as “royal trees,” further emphasising the growing awareness of their significance. In the early 19th century, Mr. Edyve embarked on a journey to South India to explore the potential of exploiting teak timber for shipbuilding. Subsequently, in 1816, Lieutenants Ward and Coner conducted a survey of Travancore and Cochin, resulting in the creation of “The Memoir of Travancore Survey,” which provided valuable insights into the region’s forests during that period. In 1820, the government commenced direct timber exploitation, establishing a timber depot at Alapuzha. Captain Robert Gordon, who also held the position of Forest Conservator, was tasked with the collection and provision of timber and cardamom from the forest areas for shipment to Great Britain. The first Forest Conservator, Mr. U.V. Munroe, was appointed, marking a pivotal moment in forest management history. During this era, timber extraction was restricted to teak, with an annual rate of 1500 logs. In 1844, rosewood and anjily were designated as royal trees, and the collection of cardamom and wax was monopolized by the government.Mr. Vest succeeded Mr. Munroe in 1844, and in 1864, Mr. Kunholf assumed the role of Conservator. Until 1853, teak had been supplied free of charge to temples, churches, illams, and palaces. In 1864, Dr. Brandis was appointed as the Inspector General of Forests in India, leading to the inception of the first Forest Act in 1865. This act codified scientific forest management and forest protection across all provinces under British rule in India. To train foresters, a Forest School was established in Dehra Dun in 1878. The first National Forest Policy was implemented in 1894. In 1865, Mr. J.S. Vemela was appointed as the Assistant Conservator of Malayatoor. During this period, Sir T. Madhava Rao, the Diwan of King ‘Ayilyam Thirunal,’ took the initiative to establish a teak plantation in Travancore. Vemburam Island near Malayattoor was chosen as the site for teak seed sowing, although this endeavor proved unsuccessful. Subsequently, Sir Thomas, who was overseeing the teak plantation in Nilambur, was appointed as the Assistant Conservator in Konni. From 1866 to 1867, teak planting was initiated on a small scale in Konni and Malayattoor, continuing as a common practice. The Travancore Forest Act was enacted in 1887, leading to the declaration of Konni as the first Reserve Forest in 1888. More areas were designated as Reserve Forests in 1889.In 1891, Mr. Bourdillon was appointed as the Conservator, and he is recognized as a pioneering figure in the field of forestry in Travancore. He prepared the ‘Report of the Forests of Travancore’ in 1892, marking the beginning of large-scale teak planting. Mr. Bourdillon developed a successful technique of stump planting for teak. His book, “Forest Trees of Travancore,” remains an authoritative work on the tree flora of the state, offering valuable insight into the history and conservation of these trees.In 1893, a comprehensive Forest Act was passed, and rules based on the Act were framed in 1894. The Forest Department underwent a complete reorganization in 1896, aligning its structure with the British Forest Administration. This led to the division of the state into Divisions and Ranges, with further divisional expansions in 1913.In 1906, Sri. V.K. Govinda Menon was tasked with preparing a report on the management of teak plantations, emphasizing the thinning regime for the initial 10 years. The system of sale coupe was introduced in 1907 to prepare more areas for teak planting, and the extent of teak plantation expanded. The taungya system was introduced in Konni in 1910, despite its later failure. Studies conducted at the Forest Research Institute revealed that this system was a significant contributor to soil erosion and forest land degradation. Following Mr. Bourdillon, Mr. Rama Rao took over and published “Flowering Plants of Travancore” in 1911. However, only 1104 out of 3535 plants described in the book could be identified in the Travancore area. In 1923, wastelands were divided and sold in portions of 200 hectares to individuals and companies for coffee and tea cultivation. Teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and ebony were considered government property and could only be cultivated by the government. The need for wildlife conservation was recognized in the 1930s. Mr. S.C.H. Robinson was appointed as the first Game Warden in 1933, responsible for wildlife protection. The Periyar Lake Reserve was declared as Nellikkampetty Game Sanctuary, later becoming the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. As early as 1905, agroforestry practices combining agriculture with forestry were initiated. Forest areas were leased for cardamom cultivation, with modifications to

Vision Well managed forests that anchor ecological and socio-economic security. Mission Conserve forests for provisioning ecosystem goods and services flow to forest dependent community and to the society, without compromising the ecological integrity of the landscape