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Abandoned Ecotourism Project Becomes Sparrow's Nest in Tharuvaikulam
9 Nov
Summary
- Sparrow couple builds nest in defunct electricity meter of crumbling ecotourism complex
- Ecotourism project aimed to attract tourists to Tharuvaikulam's coral reefs and marine life
- Project failed due to poor management and lack of promotion, leaving locals without livelihood
As of November 9th, 2025, a sparrow couple has taken up residence in the defunct electricity meter of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust's (GOMBRT) rapidly crumbling ecotourism complex on Tharuvaikulam beach. The birds have likely chosen this spot as no one would be visiting to disturb them.
Just a few years ago, in 2022, the GOMBRT had hand-picked Tharuvaikulam for its 'Tharuvaikulam Community-based Ecotourism Project' to attract tourists to the coastal hamlet. The highlight of the venture was taking visitors in glass-bottomed boats to see the nearby Kasuvari Island's coral reefs and marine life, which was not available elsewhere in the region. The project also offered snorkeling and scuba diving experiences.
However, the once-promising ecotourism initiative has now fallen into disrepair. The wooden jetty, boats, and other infrastructure are in a dilapidated state, and the local community has lost the livelihood opportunities they had expected. While thousands of tourists use the nearby East Coast Road, very few visited the 'Tharuvaikulam Ecotourism' project due to a lack of promotion.
The failure of this ₹30 lakh project has not only disappointed nature and adventure lovers but also left the local community, who had hoped to supplement their income, without the promised benefits. The district forest officer has recently assured that steps will be taken to revive the project as soon as possible.
