PDFPrelude
I have been working has a block integrator of Palamedu Vattara Kalanjiam, a federation of women SHGs, for the past four years. Palamedu Vattara Kalanjiam is located in Palamedu town panchayat, Alanganallur (block), Vadipatti taluk of Madurai district. The federation is a 16 year old federation, which works to improve the life of women members and their family using microfinance as a tool. Empowering women, promoting rural health and hygiene and generating livelihood opportunities for them, educational support to their children to improve their socio-economic and political situation is the focus of the program. Currently we are working with 3,000 rural families in 24 panchayats and 42 villages.
Palamedu and surrounding villages are rooted in traditional culture. Nature also has made this part of Madurai most beautiful. A less known waterfalls lies in the Village called Kutladampatti of Vadippati block which comes under the operational area of Palamedu Vattara Kalanjiam. When you travel through the road from Madurai via Alanganallur, Palamedu, Thethoor towards Kutaladampatti, the lush green trees, Manajamalai and Sirumalai hills remain has a delight to your eyes and heart. The hills are a part of Western Ghats and hence rich in flora and fauna The Sathiyar dam which is about 3 kms from Palamedu also catch your attention.
The Kutlamdampatti waterfalls lies near the foot hills of Sirumalai and it comes under the reserve forest area. Variety of medical plants, sandal wood trees, oak trees, besides jack and mango trees are in the hills. Animals like deer, wild boars, and large squirrels exist in the forest. The spiritual centers situated in Kutladampatti village (a Buddhist meditation centre, Ramangiri ashram set by a German disciple of Ramana Maharishi) is a proof for the serenity and the natural beauty of the place.
Eco-tourism policy of Tamil Nadu government
The new eco-tourism policy of Tamil Nadu government was made public on 7th June, 2010. The department of tourism is entrusted with the task of identifying suitable ecotourism project sites with the support of forest department. The main purpose of this policy is to develop places closer to existing population destinations and lesser-known eco-tourist spots so that infrastructure development will be kept at bare minimum.