Proposed preplanning activities

Networking

It is proposed to commence a series of initiatives to highlight the intervention strategy to the project partners and beneficiaries.  Potential Business Partner, Willing Sponsors, leading NGOs, Peoples' organizations, local level officials and the representatives of the existing industries will be invited to attend the consultative meeting..  It is expected that such an initiative will result in a well planned, comprehensive and multi-sectoral development project that skillfully links economic rehabilitation with an effective management of the ecology.

Partnership with Business

Steps will be taken to identify the business partner.

Sponsorship:

With the sponsorship from the Industries and NGOs such as Rotary will provide the impetus for suitable capacity building and consciousness raising activities among the aspiring members of the community.  With the support of these organizations health checkup camps, formation of Self Help Groups (SHG) and critical groups on the adverse effect of industrial pollution will be launched. 

Needs Assessment:

With the support of the academicians and students series of surveys and participatory research workshops will be conducted to identify and assess the specific needs in the area of eco-tourism, management of local resources, capacity building, and alternate avenues for income generation.  The convergence of the proposed project plans and aspiration of the local community will lead to the development of local economy through sustainable, rationalized and localized management and distribution of the area's natural resources with specific focus on agro-industrial and eco-tourism development.

Alternative Development Paradigm:

Pulicat Lake, 60 kms north of Chennai. adjoining the Bay of Bengal, is a potential heritage site for tourism promotion. The lake and the Pulicat village once an important trading post of the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (Dutch East India Company) have all the aspects for the establishment of a ecotourism destination. Over the period of time the visiting teams of Dutch architects and scholars are keen that this early Dutch settlement be restored. Preliminary study conducted revealed that the area has great potential as an eco-tourism and heritage destination.

Pulicat has remained unchanged and several heritage buildings and sites spanning over eleven centuries dot the village and its adjoining areas. In fact, one can today walk around town, visiting historical sites using the old Dutch map, copies of which are available.

History:

The history of Pulicat dates back to the beginning of 10th century. On the heritage angle Pulicat with its ancient temples, cemeteries, churches and a fort will be of interest to the tourists from abroad. Starting from the 10th-century Chola temple, followed by the temples from the Nayak period, to the old Dutch churches and cemeteries, one can literally walk through the pages of history at Pulicat. (flash - slides)

The Portuguese who were the first of the colonial powers to set foot in Pulicat built a church which was dedicated to Nossa Senhora Dus Prazeres (Our Lady of Joys) in 1515 A.D. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch.

Dutch Cemetry

The Dutch cemetery is in preserved and maintained as a monument bt the Department of Archeology.remarkably good condition. Under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India, the site showcases colonial Dutch architecture. The entrance to the cemetery is flanked by stone pillars, on each of which is carved a skeleton, supposed to depict life and death. There is another cemetery at the back of the church which is more ancient, though in a state of disrepair. (Flash)

The Dutch Fort

The Dutch history and culture was mirrired through the Fort Geldria built by the Dutch. History records that this fort was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Today, all that remains of this fort are scattered pieces of a mud moat which are covered by thorn bushes. (flash)

The Church

The Portuguese who were the first of the colonial powers to set foot in Pulicat built a church which was dedicated to Nossa Senhora Dus Prazeres (Our Lady of Joys) in 1515 A.D.

The Temple

The Mosque

The Old Market

The old market has some of its old shops still standing, though not in use.

Street Houses

The street houses build in the South Indian style typical of structures built more than a hundred years ago,

Wetlands

The Pulicat village is situated near wetlands The wetland eco-system is characterised by multiple habitats such as flood-plain lagoons, shallow water areas, reservoirs and shore areas. The brackish water lagoon adjoining Pulicat is an important wetland on the East Coast for migratory birds. Around 60,000 migrant water-birds feed and breed in the northern part of the lake during winter.