Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.
CHAPTER 1
Kerala State Tourism Department.
Introduction, Objectives & Application
Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

In the exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 (1)(i) of the Kerala
Tourism (Conservation and Preservation of Areas ) Ordinance 2005, issued in
Notification No.500/Leg.A1/2005/Law Dated 11-01-2005 and published in Kerala
Gazette , the Government of Kerala here by make the following guidelines for
conservation and preservation of special tourism zone, Kumarakom.
1. Short Title, Applicability and Commencement

a. These regulations will be known as the Regulation for Developments in
the Special Tourism Zone- Kumarakom. These shall apply in the
designated area under the special tourism zone Kumarakom.
b. These regulations will come into force with immediate effect. These
regulations will have overriding effect on all the existing regulations
pertaining
to the subject concerned.
2. Kumarakom situated 18 Kms. Northwest of Kottayam, with its breathtaking

natural beauty enhanced by the lush backdrop of paddy fields, winding
canals, coconut groves, mangrove forests, bird sanctuaries, with its rich
variety of flora and fauna is one of the most preferred tourist destinations of
Kerala.
3. The Government of Kerala has promulgated the Tourism (Conservation and

Preservation Areas) Ordinance 2005 by notification in the Gazette, has
declared Kumarakom as Special Tourism Zone. This Ordinance draws
specific guidelines and directions for the conservation and preservation of
the area and will be mandatory for all further developmental activities to
adhere to these guidelines so as to ensure that there are no fatal impacts on
the fragile ecological system or the topography of the region.
4. Objectives
a. Controlling and guiding developmental activities within the notified area
of the Special Tourism Zone.
b. Tailoring tourism development in line with the unique characteristics and
the natural attraction of the destination.
c. Ensuring the conservation and preservation of the environment.
d. Ensuring that a fine balance of economic, social and environmental
preservation is achieved through specific norms drawn for each
development zone for its developmental activities.
5. The Purpose. The purpose of these guidelines is to regulate and control all
developmental activities within the Special Tourism Zone by the Tourism
Conservation and Preservation Committee, local bodies, community and
proponents, thereby conserving and preserving the environment.
6. Application. These guidelines are intended to address all developmental

activities within the designated Special Tourism Zone, Kumarakom and shall
apply to :
(a)
Any public or private building as described below, namely: (i). Where a building is newly erected, these rules shall apply to the
designs and construction of the building.
(ii). Where the building is altered, these rules shall apply to the altered
portion of the building,
(iii). Where the occupancy or the use of a building is changed, these
rules shall apply to all parts of the building affected by the change,
(iv).Where addition or extension is made to a building, the rules shall
apply to the addition or extension only, but for calculation of floor
area ratio and coverage permissible and for calculating the required
off street parking area to be provided, the whole building (existing
and the proposed) shall be taken into account:

(b) All lands proposed to be developed or redeveloped for construction of
buildings,
(c) All the land development and constructions existing or proposed in any
village / panchayath area to which the provisions of these rules stand
extended.
(d) Quality standards for :
(i) Restaurants
(ii) Ayurveda Centers
(iii)House Boats
(e) Until special Land Use Zoning Regulations for areas under tourism
use or for any other propose are promulgated, the land use category
as indicated in the Master Plan prepared for Special Tourism Zone
Kovalam along with the corresponding Land Use Zoning Regulations
shall continue to remain in force.
(f) For any building construction or land development for tourism use as
per Zoning Regulations of the master plan, it is mandatory to obtain
specific clearance from Tourism Conservation and Preservation
Committee, Kovalam, before taking up such developments or redevelopment
7. Extent and Delineation. Kumarakom Panchayath (90 37 N Latitude and 760

25 E Longitude) has a total area of 51.67sq.km.of which 24.13 sq.km is the
Vembanad Lake, which forms an indispensable part of Kumarakom. Most of
the Kumarakom area is reclaimed from Vembanad Lake. The Kavanar River
and Aymanom villages are on the North; the Thiruvarpu village on the east
and to the South is the Allapuzha-Kottayam canal. The whole of
Kumarakom Panchayath including the Vembanad Lake is delineated as the
special tourism zone.
CHAPTER 2
Guiding Principles & Developmental Policies
8. These Guidelines address specific issues, which have an impact on scenic

and environmental values, for example; emission of noise (e.g. power
generation, vehicles and boats), light, smoke or dust, waste disposal (e.g.
refuse disposal,), visual impact (e.g. buildings and roads) or odour (e.g.
sewage treatment).
9. Conserving the communitys resources, so that ecological processes, on

which life depends, are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in
the future, is enhanced. Ecological processes include interconnected
physical and biological systems and the aspect of impacting or managing
one part of the environment, which can seriously undermine the system, in
general is also considered.
10. The ad-hoc establishment of developments along the coast has the
potential to erode the scenic and environmental values of the area over time
and may also affect the economic viability of the individual development
projects.
11. Mangrove protection and afforestation shall be encouraged.
CHAPTER 3
Development Promotion Regulations

12 .General Guidelines for Development.
a. Reclamation of land from the backwater will not be permitted
b. No permission for filling and reclaiming Padasekharams, paddy fields and
wetlands will be accorded.
c.
A 25 m foreshore set back from the water body will be maintained free
from constructional activities.
d. For all tourism based developments KMBR rules will apply.

e. Independent houses shall have their own septic tanks and soak pits.
f.
Canals and streams will not be filled up to create motor-able access to

private land holdings.
g. Annual maintenance dredging of internal canals will be mandatory.

h. Activities detrimental to the peace and quiet of the bird sanctuary shall be
strictly controlled by restricting boating and water sport activity along the
resting areas of birds.
i. The mangroves, which are in danger of eventual extinction from this area
will
be
protected
and
regenerated
through
proper
conservation
programmes. It shall be mandatory for all proponents of tourism related

industry to plant mangroves along the banks of the entire water stretch in
front of their property.
j. Dumping of solid and liquid wastes from resorts and private residences
into the water bodies is strictly prohibited.
k. Plastics other than certified bio degradable ones should be banned from
use in the area
l. Existing road networks to be developed with new proven techniques after
consultation with IRC to prevent recurring collapse of these roads during
rainy season.
m. Since the existing drinking water facilities do not meet the demands of the
local people, the developers must harvest potable drinking water either
through collection ponds or roof water harvesting.
7

n. All new constructions will be of traditional Kerala style with sloping
Mangalore tiled roofs. The height shall not exceed two floors i.e., 9 m.
o. All mechanised boats with their exhaust pipes extending below the water
line, should be controlled or banned and modifications made in such
manner that the exhaust is released into the open air.
p. Setting up of wire nets within the backwaters will not be permitted.
12. Detailed Land Use Zoning Regulations.The land use zoning regulation
has been formed based on the following assumptions.
a. The areas identified as Resort/Institutional areas in the land use

classification comprise not only of the present functioning resorts but
also those area, which are owned by various hotel groups and others
who intended to develop these areas in to full fledged resorts. Therefore,
they are all committed resort areas.
b. Presently, 61.22 ha of land have been committed for tourism

development, mainly for resort development by 14 agencies. It is
assumed that another 40.44 has will also be added for tourism
development during the period of 1999-2011 as explained earlier. Thus it
is expected that a total of 101.66 ha of land in Kumarakom panchayath
will be utilized for tourism activities.
c. Out of 101.66 ha of land, a major share will be used for establishing

resorts. But it is essential to reserve a portion of land for the
development of central facilities for tourists. Thus 10% of the total area
estimated for tourism activities may be used for development of central
facilities for tourists. This comes to about 10.16 ha. The remaining 91.5
ha may be used for establishing resorts.
d. At present, all the areas committed for resort development are along the
lakefront only, except Golden Waters Resort, which is located on the
side of Kavanar. Golden water Resort is very successfully developed on
the side of river front more than 2 km interior. It proves that there is lot of
scope for developing resorts along river and canal front. Since some of

the lakefront has to be reserved for jettys and public relational areas like
parks and picnic spots, there is only limited lake frontage available for
resort development. Hence, distributing resort locations along rivers and
canals should be taken as a policy for resort development..
13. Listed Natural Features, Common Utility Assets and Services.

Spatial mapping of all back water stretch, rivers , canals , drainages,
streams, common utility areas, open spaces and revenue land, areas of
aesthetic, cultural and environmental significance, all with brief description
and standards to be maintained will be prepared. The list shall be
supplemented/ modified from time to time by the Government or the Tourism
Conservation and Preservation Committee. These regulations apply to the
entire Special Tourism Zone - Kumarakom and the areas of influence
identified are:
a) Lake Front. The entire lake front, canals and rivers form the basic
spatial visualization. Some of the lake front will be ear marked for
jetties and picnic spots.
(b) Rivers. Reclamation of the river banks is banned. Retaining walls
using masonry/concrete will not be permitted. Bank retention using
endemic plant species like mangroves will be encouraged.
(c) Rivulets and Streams. The course and direction of rivulets and
streams emptying to the backwaters will not be altered nor filled up for
access to vehicular traffic
(d) Roads/ Footpaths. The upkeep and maintenance of the roads and
footpaths including the surrounding revenue land, drains, road
furniture, signage, electric and telephone poles will be monitored by
the Tourism Conservation and Preservation Committee and their
recommendations on these will be binding on the Line department/
LSGI for implementation
(e) Bus Bays, Bus Sops, Taxi Stands and Three Wheelers Stands,
Boat Jetties .Standards to be maintained will be prepared by the
Tourism Conservation and Preservation Committee and implemented.
9

(f) Revenue Land and Open Spaces. Standards to be maintained will be
prepared by the Tourism Conservation and Preservation Committee
and implemented.
(g) National Water Way and Shore Support Facilities. The standards
and siting of shore support facilities for the NWW will be approved by
the Tourism Conservation and Preservation Committee.
(h) Reclamation of lakes as well as canals in the specified special tourism
zone is prohibited.
(i) Dredging, de-silting and removal of weeds from the canals and water
way will be mandatory.
(j) Minimise use of boats fitted with out-board engines in small canals to
prevent bank erosion.
14. The following specific land use zones have been derived for regulating the
developments for conservation and preservation of tourist destinations,
Kumarakom.
10

a. No Development Zone .The area included by the following survey numbers.
2(part),3(part),67(part),69(part),71(part),72(part),77(part),81(part)83(part)87(part),
88(part),301(part),302(part),304(part),104(part),308(part),310(part),2(part),36(part),
38(part),43(part),42(part),45(part),174(part),175(part),185(part),187(part),188(part),
189(part),190(part),191(part),192(part),193(part),323(part),324(part),325(part),320(
part),332(part),327,330(part),323,329(part),338(part).
Regulations:
There is high potential for visitation of this area by both domestic and
international tourists. Small scale and low impact environmentally sensitive
tourism related infrastructure development is permitted to cater to their needs.
The area will be reserved as a green park. The following regulations are framed
to conserve and preserve the natural quality:Boat landing facilities shall be constructed, spatially distributed for tourist
facilitation
Pathways shall be designed and built aesthetically with natural coloured
pavements
Parks / Childrens park
11

b. Tourism Development zone. The area included by the following survey
numbers.
2 (part), 4 (part), 3 (part), 67 (part), 66, 65, 70, 69 (part), 71 (part), 72 (part), 74,
76, 77 (part), 78, 79, 80, 81 (part), 83 (part), 84,86, 87 (part), 88 (part), 301
(part), 300, 302 (part), 304 (part), 305, 298, 255 (part), 256 (part), 104 (part),
295,262 (part), 263 (part), 294,307,308 (part), 310 (part), 307, 309, 329, 311,
290, 316, 320 (part), 314, 315, 319, 318, 326, 327, 323p (part), 324 (part), 325
(part), 2 (part), 3, 5 (part), 36 (part), 4, 35, 34 (part), 40 (part), 38 (part), 39 (part),
43 (part), 42 (part), 45 (part), 172 (part), 173 (part), 176 (part), 175 (part), 184,
185 (part), 187 (part), 188 (part), 198,189 (part), 197 (part), 190 (part), 191 (part),
192 (part), 196 (part), 193 (part), 195, 323 (part), 322, 324 (part), 325 (part), 320
(part), 321.
Regulations:
A density of 20 rooms per ha(i.e.40 bed per ha)for Resort development in
Kumarakom is advisable.
Land requirement standards
Luxury resorts
Maximum 40 beds/ha
Economy resorts -
Maximum 60 beds/ha
Natural drains and canals should not be blocked or filled up.

Maximum built up area coverage to be allowed is as follows:
At ground floor level 25% of land area
At first floor level 10% of land area
At second floor level and above 5% of land area
Max floor area ration is .25
Any part of building structure should not rise above 1 : 10 slope line. Slope
starts from shore line High Water level (HWL) maximum height allowed is 15
m above HWL.
12

Minimum setback required for any building or structure
From Lake
- 25 m
From Canal Width of canal or 50 m which ever is less

Shore line protection structure including parapet wall should not rise 70 cms
above HWL.
All man made structure should be aesthetically acceptable to the natural
environment .
All constructions shall confirm to KMBR rules.
c. Restricted tourism development zone. The area included by the following
survey numbers.
91 (part), 92 (part), 93 (part), 94 (part), 99 (part), 100 (part), 247,250, 251, 252,
257, 255 (part), 256 (part), 258, 262 (part), 261, 260, 259, 246, 273, 274-278,
266-270, 264, 263 (part), 265, 266, 285-288,281-283, 330-358, 361-373, 323325 (part), 11, 5 (part), 6-9, 13, 14, 16- 19, 22-32, 34 (part), 40 (part), 39 (part),
41, 42, 43 (part), 39 (part), 41, 42, 43 (part), 46,-64, 66, 67, 69, 70, 72, 73,75, 76,
80-84, 86, 88, 89, 90, 93, 472, 167-169, 132-137, 139-142, 144, 146-152, 121,
126-128, 159-164, 172 (part), 173 (part), 176 (part), 177-181, 183 98-103, 105109, 111, 113,115-118, 273, 241-254, 258, 259, 199-210, 196 (part), 197 (part),
212-214, 217, 220 (part), 221 (part), 222, 223,227-230 (part).
Regulations:
All tourism related infrastructure to be constructed in this area shall have its own
individual plot with a minimum size of 25 cents with compound wall, motor-able
access of width more than 5m and shall have its own arrangements for water
supply, sanitation, solid and liquid waste disposal mechanism. All constructions
shall confirm to KMBR rules.
13

d. Residential Cum Agricultural Zone: The area included by the following
survey numbers.
6-64, 90, 91 (part), 92 (part), 93 (part), 94 (part), 95-99 (part), 100 (part), 101112, 118-138, 140-142, 146-151, 153, 154, 154, 156, 157, 158, 160, 162, 164,
165-171, 173-184, 186, 188, 189-191, 193-198, 200, 202, 203, 205, 206-223,
225,228, 232-240, 242, 244, 405-413, 415, 416 (part), 417, 420-439, 441, 444452, 455-468, 470, 471, 473, 474, 476, 400-402, 375-381, 385-390, 392-395,
397-399, 1, 3-6, 8-16, 19-32, 33 (part), 34, 35 (part), 90, 36-38, 40-43, 46-48, 5058, 61-73, 55-79, 113, 14, 15, 117-124, 130-150, 152-154, 157-161, 163-168,
171-183, 185-199, 201-214, 216-226, 273 (part), 272, 113 (part), 261-317, 319,
330 (part), 332 (part), 329 (part), 328 (part), 334-354, 361-365, 367, 369, 370,
373-379.
Regulations:
This area with sparse settlement and majority of the land is put to agriculture use.
Filling up of paddy fields are not permitted in this area.
Tourist accommodation can be built in this area with the consent of Tourism
Conservation and Preservation Committee.
All constructions shall confirm to Kerala Municipal Buiding Rules.
e.
Mangrove & Marshy Land
The area included by the following survey numbers

2(p)
Regulations:
The immediate task to be attended to is the protection of existing

mangroves at Kumarakom. The Govt. of Kerala may declare this
mangrove location as protected area, suggesting appropriate guidelines.
The developmental agencies and the KTDC may be directed to attempt
afforestation of mangroves as green belt @ 1/10 th of the area occupied by
them, along the lake margins, canals and ponds where salinity reaches.
Tourists with genuine interest only may be allowed inside the bird
sanctuary.
14
The area surrounding 500m radius of the mangroves and bird sanctuary,
in the lake portion, may be cordoned off from any intervention as shown in
fig.3. This will also serve as an area of fish breeding and nursery ground.
Considering the fact that the area under natural vegetation is very low,
every effort may be to increase the vegetation cover. This also necessary
for nesting and breeding habitats of resident and migratory birds. During
the season of migratory birds (November to May), speed boating may be
promoted towards Thanneermukkam. Only small boats and Houseboats
may be allowed to go beyond south during season. There are other
potential areas in Kumarakom like canals and backwater front that could
be
brought
under
Mangroves.
Afforestation
of
theses
sites
is
recommended. Assistance to local communities for afforestation and

protection of mangroves is needed.
15
CHAPTER 3
Special Regulations
16
15. Protection Of Scenic Environment. The landform topography and flora

reinforce the virgin natural beauty of the Special Tourism Zone.
Guidelines
a. Building structures will not exceed 2 stories excluding settlement
areas mentioned
in
the zoning regulation.
b. Proponents will prepare a visual resource management plan,

addressing
the existing landform, vegetation and prominent features
(to and from the proposed site).

c. Only locally endemic vegetation is propagated for screening,
windbreaks, rehabilitation and landscaping
d. Weeds are monitored and eradicated wherever appropriate;
e. No change is made to landform (cut and fill) and topography to
accommodate buildings and infrastructure;
f. Disturbance or loss of natural vegetation not permitted except for the
areas of actual constructions;
g. Local sources of gravel, stone and earth are used, subject to approval;
h. Architectural style, landscape design and construction materials shall
reflect local elements (eg. landform);
i. Materials with muted or recessive colours and low reflective qualities
that closely compliment the neighborhood are used;
j. Services including electricity lines are located below ground (for all
new tourism related developmental activities);
k. Isolated structures, such as car parks, toilet blocks, towers and storage
areas blend into the natural setting and with locally endemic
vegetation; and
l. Quarrying and sand mining will be banned.
17
16. Foreshore Set Back

Guidelines
a. For all constructional or developmental activities, sufficient
setback will be provided so as not to obstruct the scenic view of
prominent landmarks and major attractions, such as headlands,
cliffs and beaches.
b. The common land in the foreshore setback area through out the
entire scheme area will be free from individual
fencing/compound wall.
c. Signage, bollards, display boards, rubbish bins and small
structures (water tanks or toilet blocks) within the foreshore
area have a very low visual impact and are of a form (colour,
material and size) consistent with the amenity and character of
the area.
d. Foreshore access roads and car parks will follow natural
contours.
e. Pedestrian access will be created as principal access through
out the entire scheme area.
f. Stabilisation, rehabilitation, re-vegetation and landscaping of
the foreshore setback are undertaken using locally endemic
plant species.
.
17. Guidelines for Marine Infrastructure

Marine structures and boat landing facilities existing and proposed will strictly
follow approved management guidelines of Inland Waterways Authority of
India (IWAAI). Shore support facilities with eco-friendly prasctices will be
considered only in the designated locations.
18
18. Guidelines for Water Availability

(a) Development proponents will endeavor to obtain water from a variety of
sustainable sources, with collection of rainwater being a priority; detailed
schemes will be submitted along with preliminary application.
(b).Water conservation strategies like composting toilets and storm water re-use
will be incorporated in development proposals.
(c).All new proposals will have the mechanism of rainwater harvesting measures.
(d) Water quality standards are:
(i) Indian Standards of Drinking Water .The Bureau of Indian Standards has
defined the level of solvents for safety purposes. The table below gives the
common solvents in water and the permitted levels.
Substance/Test
Physical Turbidity
Chemical pH
Hardness
Chloride
Iron
Nitrate
Fluoride
Residual Chlorine
Arsenic
Bacteriological Coliforms
E Coli
Desirable
Limit
5
6.5-8.5
300
250
0.3
45
1.0
0.2-0.5
0.05
10**
0
Unit
NTU
Number
As( CaCo)mg/l
(asCl)mg/l
(as Fe)mg/l
(as No)mg/l
(as F) mg/l
Mg/l
(as A)mg/l
MPN/100ml
MPN/100ml
Maximum Permissible
Limit*
10
No relaxation
600
1000
1.0
No relaxation
1.5
No relaxation
No relaxation
No relaxation
No relaxation
* When there is no alternative source for drinking.

** Colitone organisms should not be detectable in 100ml of any two consecutive
samples.
(ii) Water Quality Standards.
S.No. Parameter
Standards
Inland
surface
water
1.
Public
Sewer
2.
3.
(a)
1.
2.
Colour and odour

Suspended Solids, mg/l,
Max
Land for Marine coastal

irrigation areas
(b)
See Note1
100
--600
19
(c)
(d)
See Note- See Note-1

1
200
(a) For process

waste water-100
(b) For cooling

water effluent-10
per cent above
total suspended
matter of influent
cooling water.
3.
4.
Particle size of suspended Shall pass

solids
850
micron IS
Sieve
---
(a) Floatable
solids, Max 3 mm
(b) Settleable
solids Max 850
microns.
Dissolved solids
(inorganic), mg/a, mac
2100
5.
pH value
5.5 to 9.0 5.5 to 9.0 5.5 to 9.0 5.5 to 9.0
6.
Temperature C, Max
o
Shall not 45 at the

exceed 40 point of
in any
discharge
section of
the
stream
within 15
meters
down
stream
from the
effluent
outlet
Oil and grease, mg/l, max 10
8.
Total residual chlorine,

mg/l, Max.
1.0
Ammonical nitrogen (as

N), mg/l, Max.
50
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
2100
---
7.
9.
2100
---
20
---
10
20
1.0
---
---
50
50
---
Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (as 100

N), mg/l, Max.
---
---
Free Ammonia (as NH3),

mg/l, Max.
---
---
100
5.0
5.0
Biochemical Oxygen
30
Demand (5 days at 20oC)
Max.
Chemical Oxygen
Demand, mg/l, Max.
250
Arsenic (as As), mg/l,

Max.
0.2
Mercury (as Hg), mg/l,

Max.
0.01
Lead (as Pb), mg/l, Max.
0.1
45 at the point of
discharge
100
350
100
250
---
--0.2
0.2
0.2
0.01
0.01
---
1.0
---
1.0
20

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
Cadmium (as Cd), mg/l,

Max.
2.0
2.0
1.0
Hexavalent chromium (as 0.1

Cr+6) mg/l, Max.
2.0
Total chromium as (Cr),

mg/l, Max.
2.0
2.0
Copper (as Cu), mg/l,

Max.
3.0
Zinc (as Zn), mg/l, Max.
5.0
Selenium (as Se), mg/l,

Max.
1.0
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
35.
--3.0
3.0
--15
15
---
0.05
---
0.05
0.05
Nickel (as Ni), mg/l, Max. 3.0
5.0
---
Boron (as B), mg/l, Max. 2.0

Percent Sodium, Max.
--2.0
2.0
60
60
---
Residual sodium
carbonate, mg/l, Max.
---
Cyanide (as CN), mg/l,

Max.
0.2
Chloride (as Cl), mg/l,

Max.
1000
Fluoride (as F), mg/l,

Max.
2.0
-------
5.0
0.2
2.0
0.2
1000
600
(a)
15
15
Dissolved Phosphates (as 5.0

P), mg/l, Max.
---
Sulphate (as SO4), mg/l, 1000

Max.
Sulphide (as S), mg/l,
Max.
2.0
Pesticides
Absent
Phenolic compounds (as

C6H5OH), mg/l, Max.
---------
1000
1000
5.0
---
--Absent
Absent
34.
--2.0
3.0
24.
---
Absent
1.0
5.0
5.0
Radioactive materials
(a) Alpha emitters MC/ml, 10-7
Max.
(b) Beta emitters uc/ml, 10-6
Max.
--10-7
10-7
10-8
10-6
10-7
10-6
Note :1. All efforts should be made to remove colour and unpleasant odour as far as
21

practicable.
2. The standards mentioned in this notification shall apply to all the effluents
discharged from industrial/ municipal sewage
26.Guidelines Sewage Treatment

a) Provisions contained in Water Act, 1974 and effluent standards for
the sewage laid down by Kerala State Pollution Control Board.
b) Water recycling techniques will be adopted to minimize water use and
maximize recycling for all new proposals.
c) Treated sewage will be disposed off by trickle/drip irrigation to natural
vegetation (not within 100 M of beaches or wetlands) instead of
disposal to the marine environment.
d) Screened solids and sludge should be transported to a licensed landfill
or to Vilappilsala solid waste Treatment Plant.
(e) Ensure that the discharge water meets the criteria specified at
paragraph 25 above.
27. Guidelines for Waste Disposal
Organic and green waste will be collected, treated by windrow composting
and stored for use as mulch, soil improver or fertiliser.
Organic waste not used composting and all inorganic waste will be
transported to a licensed landfill facility or waste treatment plant of the
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
Development proposals for waste management programme will cater to
minimizing waste production and reuse and recycling.
Ensure that the
discharge water meets the criteria specified at paragraph 25 above.

27. Guidelines for Waste Disposal
Organic and green waste will be collected, treated by windrow composting
and stored for use as mulch, soil improver or fertiliser.
Organic waste not used composting and all inorganic waste will be
transported to a licensed landfill facility or waste treatment plant of the
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
22

Development proposals for waste management programme will cater to
minimizing waste production and reuse and recycling. Ensure that the
discharge water meets the criteria specified at paragraph 25 above.
28. Guidelines for Energy Generation
a) Diesel generators encased in sound proof structure with mufflers will
only be used during emergency situations.
b) Use of heavy energy consuming machineries, which can potentially
harm or damage the environment through toxic emissions and other
hazardous materials are avoided.
c) Standards/Guidelines for control of Noise Pollution from Stationary
Diesel Generator (DG) Sets:
(i) Noise Standards for DG Sets (15-500 KVA) The total sound
power level, Lw, of a DG set should be less than, 94+10
log 10
(KVA), dB(A), at the manufacturing stage, where, KVA is the

nominal power rating of a DG set.This level should fall by 5 dB(A)
every five years, till 2007.
(ii)
Mandatory acoustic enclosure/acoustic treatment of room for
stationary DG sets (5 KVA and above):Noise from the DG set

should be controlled by providing an acoustic enclosure or by
treating the room acoustically.The acoustic enclosure/acoustic
treatment of the room should be designed for minimum 25 dB(A)
Insertion Loss or for meeting the ambient noise standards, which
ever is on the higher side (if the actual ambient noise is on the
higher side, it may not be possible to check the performance of the
acoustic enclosure/acoustic treatment. Under such circumstances
the performance may be checked for noise reduction upto actual
ambient noise level, preferably, in the night time). The
measurement for Insertion Loss may be done at different points at
0.5m from the acoustic enclosure/room, and then averaged.The
DG set should also be provide with proper exhaust muffler with
Insertion Loss of minimum 25 dB(A).
23

29. Guidelines for Noise Standards
Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise:
Area Code
Category of Area
Limits in dB (A) Leq

Day Time
Night Times
(A)
Industrial area
75
70
(B)
Commercial area
65
55
(C)
Residential area
55
45
(D)
Silence Zone
50
40
Note :
1. Day time is reckoned in between 6.00 AM and 9.00 PM
2. Night time is reckoned in between 9.00 PM and 6.00 AM
3. Silence zone is defined as areas upto 100 meters around such premises as hospitals,
educational institutions and courts. The Silence zones are to be declared by the
Competent Authority.
Use of vehicular horns, loudspeakers and bursting of crackers shall be banned in
these zones.
4. Mixed categories of areas should be declared as one of the four above mentioned
categories by the Competent Authority and the corresponding standards shall apply.
24

30. Guidelines for Construction and Management
a
Construction practices will ensure minimal site disruption.
b
Proponents will develop on-site guidelines and controls for

contractors, specifying appropriate construction practices.
Minimal use and disposal of dangerous chemical cleaning products

will be encouraged. Where disposal is unavoidable, low
environmental impact products will be sought.
g. d Proponents will prepare and adopt a product purchasing
policy, which maximises use, reuse and recycling.
31. Guidelines for Mandatory Planting of Trees

(a) The number of trees to be planted and their subsequent maintenance
will be on the following scale.
(i) Residential areas: Every household having more than 100 sq.m.
area will plant at least small or medium variety in their premises as
follows:
Table 1
Below 100 sq.m.
1 tree
1001-200 sq.m.
3 trees
201-300 sq.m.
4 trees
301 sq.m. and above
5 trees plus 2 trees for every in crease of 100

sq.m.
25

b) Commercial or institutional cases: Commercial establishment will
plant trees as follows :
Below 200 sq.m.
2 trees
201-500 sq.m.
4 trees
501 1000 sq.m.
6 trees
Above 1001 sq.m.
6 trees plus 2 trees for every in crease of 100

sq.m.
In addition, commercial or institutional areas will be landscaped instead of

leaving them without any vegetation.
(c) The local authority having jurisdiction will grant building permission subject
to the condition that the owner shall plant the prescribed number of trees.
(d) The owner of the premises or house will maintain the trees and will not
fell them without the permission of the designated officer.
32. Guidelines for Waterways, Canals and Streams.
No outlets from any
hotel will be discharged directly to these drains without having treated the
effluent. The natural streams will not be filled up .
26
CHAPTER 4 -
SPECIAL REGULATION TO RESTAURANTS, AYURVEDA

CENTRES, HOUSEBOATS
27
RESTAURANTS
Introduction
33. The cuisine of Kerala is one of the most sought after tourism products of
Gods Own Country. The number of tourists, who find our divine dishes
irresistible, is fast increasing. So is the number of restaurants, which cater to
tourists from all over the world. Hence it has become urgent to evaluate the
quality and service standards of restaurants and classify the accordingly. This
will ensure the customers high quality, hygienic services of international
standards. As part of its ongoing efforts towards sustainable tourism products
and ensuring high standards in services, Kerala Tourism is now introducing
regulatory measures for
the working of restaurants these guidelines are
issued to regulate how restaurants will be classified, the terms and conditions
and the application format are placed at Appendix E attached.
General terms and conditions
34. Classification from the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala is not
mandatory to operate a restaurant in the State. Classification for newly
operational restaurants must be sought with in 3 months of completion of
restaurant projects.
Operating restaurants may opt for classification at any stage. However,
restaurants seeking re-classification should apply one year prior to the expiry
of the current period of classification. If the restaurant fails to reapply one year
before the expiry of the classification order, the application will be treated as a
fresh classification case.
Once a restaurant applies for classification/re-classification, it should be
ready at all times for inspection by the Restaurant Classification Committee of
Kerala (RCCK). No requests for deferment of inspection will be entrained.
Classification will be valid for 3 (three) years from the date if issue of orders or
in case of re-classification, from the date of expiry of the last classification
provided that the application has been received with in the stipulated time
28

mentioned above, along with all valid documents. Incomplete application will
not be accepted. Restaurants applying for classification must provide the
following documentation.
a) All applications for classification or re-classification must be
complete in all respects
b) Application form
c) Application fee
d) Prescribed clearances
e) NOCs, certificates etc.
( Incomplete application is liable to be rejected.)
35. The application fees payable for classification are as follows:
Star category
Classification/re- classification fee in Rs.

1-Star2-Star3-Star
6,000
4-Star5-Star
10,000
36. The Restaurant Classification Committee of Kerala (RCCK) consist of the

following:
Secretary (Tourism)
Chairman
Director, Department of Tourism -
Convener
Principal, IHMCT
Member
Representative from FHRAI
Member
Representative from HAI
Member
Representative from IATO
Member
Representative from TAAI
Member
Four members will constitute a quorum

The chairman, RCCK, will approve the minutes.
37. The presence of facilities and services will be evaluated against the enclosed
checklist. Refer para 51 below.
38. New projects will be required to adopt environment friendly practices.
39. Existing restaurants being classified will need to conform to a phased plan for
adding eco-friendly practices and facilities
40. The quality of facilities and services will be evaluated against the mark sheet.
29

41. The restaurant is expected to maintain required standards at all times. The
Classification Committee may inspect a restaurant at any time with out
previous notice.
42. Any deficiencies /rectification pointed out by the RCCK must be compiled with
within the stipulated time, which has been allotted in consultation with the
restaurant representatives during inspection. Failure to do so will result in
rejection of the application.
43. The committee may assign a star category lower but not higher than that
applied for.
44. The restaurant must be able to convince the committee that they are taking
sufficient steps for energy
conservation, water harvesting, garbage
segregation, and disposal/recycling as per Pollution Control Board (PCB)

norms and following other eco-friendly measures.
45. For any change in the star category the promoters must apply afresh with an
application form and requisite fees for the category applied for.
46. Any change in the plans or management of the restaurant should be informed
to the RCCK, Department of Tourism, and Govt. Of Kerala within 30 days.
Otherwise the classification will stand withdrawn/terminated.
47. Applicants are requested to go through the checklist of facilities and services
contained in this document before applying. Incomplete applications will not
be considered.
48. All cases of classification would be finalized within three months of the
application being made.
49.
The Department of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala reserves the right to modify
the guidelines/terms and conditions from time to time.
30
50.
Awarding Scores
Criteria
Exterior and grounds
Restaurant
Public Areas
Parking
Kitchen
Cleanliness
Max.
Marks
8
12
6
6
8
8
Hygiene
Score
E
Comments
Exteriors2/Approach2/
Landscaping2/Exterior lighting 2
Furniture4/Furnishings2/Decor2/Cutlery
and crokery4
Furniture2/Furnishings2/Decor2
Minimum numbers as specified in the
checklist
Equipment3/State of repair 2/Food
storage 3
Overall impression
Pot & Dish washing 2/Drinking water
2/Staff facilities1/Pest
control2/Garbage disposal1
Safety and Security
Fire fighting
equipment1/signage1/Awareness of
proedures1/public area and room
security1
Communication
facilities
Services
2
8
Eco-friendly-practices
Phone Service1/Intenet access 1

Overall impression
Waste management, recycling/no
plastics1/Water conservation,
harvesting 1/Pollution control- air,

water, sound, light 2/Alternative
energy usage1
Staff quality
Over ambience
Total
10
8
Availability of trained staff 6/overall

quality 2/ uniform 2
impression
100
Qualifying Score
Overall
31
5*
4*
3*
2*
1*
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%

51 CHECKLISTFOR FACILITIES & SERVICES
General
Minimum 2-mesl operation, 7 days a weak in season
1*
2*
3*
4*
5*
12
10
N
Establishment to have all trading license
N
N
24hrs lifts for building higher than ground plus two floors
N
N
Restaurants, public areas and kitchens fully serviced daily
N
N
All floor surfaces clean and in good repair
N
N
Parking facilities (Maximum no. of seats per unit car parking area
4
Restaurant
Multicuisine restaurant of min.30 pax and 600 sq.ft carpet area
N
Speciality restaurant
D
N
24hrs coffee shop
D
N
Full service of all 3 meals in dining room
N
N
Crockery and glassware of high quality
N
N
Cutlery to be at least stainless steel
N
N
Kitchen
Refrigerator with deep freeze
N
N
32

Segregated storage of meat, fish and vegetable
N
Tiled walls, non-slip floors
N
N
D
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Head covering or production staff

Daily germicidal cleaning of floors
Clean Utensils
Six monthly medical checks for production staff
All food grade equipment, containers
N
N
Ventilation system
N
N
First-aid training for all kitchen staff
N
N
Drinking water
N
N
Garbage to be segregated wet and dry
Receiving and stores to be clean and district from garbage area
N
N
N
Insectocutor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
N
Public Areas
A lounge or seating in the lobby area
D
N
Reception facility
D
N
Souvenir shop
NA
D
Public Telephone
NA
N
Internet facility and tourist information kiosk
NA
D
33

News papers available
NA
N
Conference facilities
NA NA
N
Staff Quality
Staff uniforms
D
N
Hand gloves and cap for kitchen staff
N
N
English speaking front office staff
D
N
Government recognized catering/hotel institutes
10% 15%
20%
40%50%
Staff welfare/facilities
N
Staff rest rooms
D
N
Staff locker rooms
D
N
Dining Area
D
N
Common Toilets
Separate gents and ladies toilet
N
N
Access to the toilets not through kitchen/restaurant
N
N
Minimum number of gents W.C

2
Minimum number of ladies W.C
2
Minimum number of gents urinal
2
Cleaning of the area in every
2hrs 2hrs
2hrs
1hr 1hr
34

A wash basin with running water, a mirror, a sanitary bin withlid separate for gents and ladies with hand towels
12
12
15
15
15
4
Minimum size of W.C. in Sq.ft.
One W.C. brush per toilet seat
N
Guest toiletries including liquid soap to be provided
D
N
Floors and walls to have non-porous surfaces
N
N
Energy saving lighting
N
N
A notice showing staff should wash their hands every time they
visit bathroom (in Malayalam & English)
N
N
Safety and Security

Staff trained in fire fighting drill
N
N
Security arrangement for all entrance
N
N
Smoke detectors
D
N
Fire and emergency procedure notices displayed
D
N
Staff trained in first aid
First aid kit with over the counter medicines with front desk
N
D
N
Eco-friendly practices
Waste Management
N
N
Water harvesting and conservation
N
N
35

Water recycling
N
Energy saving lights
N
N
Alternate energy use
D
D
Pollution control measures
D
N
Note: D = Desirable, N = Necessary, NA = Not Applicable. There is no relaxation in the

necessary criteria .
AYURVEDA CENTRES
Introduction
51. The Ayurvedic system of medicine has become very popular among tourists
in recent times. Especially in Kerala, where Ayurveda is a way of life. Kerala
is the only place where Ayurveda is practiced in its true and authentic form.
Tourists from all over the country and abroad are seeking healing in Keralas
numerous Ayurvedic centers. Because of his popularity, the number of
centers opening up across the State and is also substantially increasing. So
much so that there is an urgent needs to evaluate the safety and service
standards of Ayurveda centers and classify them accordingly. This will be the
first step towards sustaining this unique tourism product. For the purposes of
classification of Ayurveda centers, these guidelines are designed.
Essential conditions for classification of Ayurveda centres

52. Essential conditions are given below:
Personnel. Treatment/therapy should be done only under the supervision of a
qualified physician with a recognized degree in Ayurveda, who will be present
with in the complex while treatment is going on.
There should be at least two masseures (one male and one female) having
sufficient training from recognized Ayurveda institutions.The masseures will have
minimam one year of practical experience under a qualified Ayurveda physician
36

after completing a minimum period of one year training on Anatomy and Marmas
or pressure points( should be understood as junction or meeting places of the 5
organic principles : ligaments, vessels, muscles, bones and joints, with the four
types of vessels being the nerves, lymph, arteries and veins).
Male masseures will attend to the male patients and female masseures attend
the female patients.These masseures will not attend to patients in the absence
of the qualified Ayurveda physician of the Ayurveda centres
Quality of medicine and health programmes. The center will offer only those
programmes, which are approved by the Tourism Conservation and Preservation
Committee.
Health programmes offered at the centre should be clearly exhibited. The time
taken for massages and treatment should be stated. The general approved time
limit for a massage is 45 minutes
The medicine used should be from an approved and reputed firm. The
medicines should be labeled an exhibited at the Ayurveda centre.
Equipment. One massage table of minimum size 7ft x 3ft in each treatment
room, made up of good quality wood as prescribed by the Ayurveda science.
Gas or electric stove
Medicated hot water facility for bathing and other purposes
Facilities for sterilization
Equipment and apparatus should be clean and hygienic
Facilities. A minimum number of two treatment rooms (One for males and One
for females) having a minimum size of 100sq.ft(width not less than 8ft). The
rooms should have good ventilation. There should be an attached bathroom, of
size not less than 20 sq.ft. The toilets should have proper sanitary fittings and
floors and walls should be furnished with tiles.
One consultation room with a minimum size of 100sq.ft (width not less than 8ft.).
The room should be well equipped with medical instruments, like BP apparatus,
stethoscope, an examination couch, weighing machine etc.
37

There should be a separate rest room (minimum size 100sq.ft, width not less
than 8ft), if the centre is not attached to a hotel/resort/hospital
General infrastructure of the Ayurveda centre should be good. Locality and
ambience, including accessibility, should be suitable. Furnishing should be of
good quality. The centre and surrounding premises should be kept clean and
hygienic
Optional conditions for classification
53. Optional conditions for classification are:
a. Ayurveda centers will be awarded the Green Leaf on the fulfillment of certain
optional conditions. These are the general construction, architectural features
etc. of the building should be of very high standards, the furnishings, curtains,
fittings etc. should be of superior quality materials. There should be adequate
parking space in the premises
The bathroom should have facilities for steam bath
b. Additional desirable conditions for centre seeking the Green Leaf are that
there should be a separate hall for meditation/yoga. The centers should be
located in picturesque locations with green surroundings and a quiet ambience
There should be a herbal garden attached to the centre
Procedure of classification
54. Every person operating an Ayurveda centre in the state, desirous of getting
classification from the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala should
apply for classification in the prescribed application form. The application form
is available at the Directorate of Tourism, free of cost, sample given at
Appendix F attached. All the applications duly filled should be addressed to
the Director, Department of Tourism, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram 33.
A fee of Rs. 2500/- should be enclosed with the application form by way of
Demand Draft drawn in favour of the Director, Department of Tourism,
Park View payable at Thiruvananthapuram.
The Director, Kerala Tourism will, unless refused, issue a classification
certificate to the Ayurveda centre on the recommendation of a committee
consisting of the following members, after inspection.
38

Director, Kerala Tourism
- Convenor
Director, Indian Systems of Medicine
- Member
Professor Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurveda College

Thiruvananthapuram
- Member
Representative of Ayurveda College Kttakkal
- Member
Representative of Indian Association of Tour Operators

- Member
The committee will specify the health programmes to be offered in each
centre, after considering their facilities.
55. The period of classification will be three years. After the expiry of the
classification period the centre has to apply for classification again. Ayurveda
centers already approved by the Department of Tourism under the existing
scheme will also have to apply for classification, if they so desire. If not, these
approved units will be considered only as Approved Ayurveda Centres, till
the expiry of the period of approval.
56. The Department has prescribed regulatory conditions to be abided by
promoters of classified Ayurveda centers. The promoters should furnish the
acceptance of these regulatory conditions in the prescribed form and execute
an agreement on stamped paper (Rs.50/-) with this.
Government subsidies for classified Ayurveda Centres
57. Ayurveda centers, which have been classified/approved by the Government
of Kerala, will be eligible for claiming a 10% state investment subsidy or
electric tariff concession offered by the Department of Tourism, as per G.O.
(MS) 140/98/GAD dated23.03.1998.
HOUSEBOATS
39

58The houseboats holidays of Kerala are increasingly becoming popular with
domestic as well as international tourists. Consequently, the number of
houseboats plying the backwaters of Kerala has increased dramatically. So
much so that there is an urgent need to evaluate the safety and service
standards of houseboats and classify them accordingly. This will be the first
step towards sustaining this unique tourism product.
59.These guidelines are designed to provide criteria for classifying the
houseboats in Kerala, an initiative that will once again make Kerala pioneer in
the tourism industry in India so far as emphasis on quality goes.
60. A houseboat fulfilling all essential conditions prescribed by the Department of
Tourism and another five of the ten optional conditions will be awarded the
status of Gold star. Those fulfilling the essential conditions will be awarded
the Silver Star.
Essential conditions for approval Houseboats:
61. The general construction of the houseboat should be good; the hull and
valavara should be of good condition; flooring should be of marine plywood.
62. Size of rooms in the house boat should not be lesser than the specifications
mentioned below:
Bed rooms
: 80 Sq.ft.(minimum width-7 ft.)
Living/Dining
: 80 Sq.ft
Kitchen
: 20 Sq.ft.
Attached Toilet
: 20 Sq.ft. (minimum width-3 ft.)
Common toilet
: 10 Sq.ft.
Passages
: 3 ft.wide
Bedrooms should be provided with an attached toilet. Toilets for guests should of
western style and should be cleanly maintained. A common toilet for the staff of
the houseboat should also be provided.
The Kitchen must have provisions for protection from hazards by
Using fire proof materials
Having at least two fire extinguishers
Storage hold in the kitchen must be hygienic food materials on board should be
packed properly and store in as clean environment
Fuel storage should not be near the kitchen
40

The houseboat should have at least two life buoys and 2 fire buckets
Furniture provided in the houseboat should be of good quality.
Clean and good quality linen and toiletries should be used. Crockery and
glassware should be of excellent quality.
Houseboats must maintain and regularly update logbooks and tourist records.
Staff members interacting with guests should be in uniform.
The boat should have obtained a valid license from the appropriate authority for
playing in the backwaters.
Name, cut number and approval number should be painted on both sides of the
houseboat.
Optional condition for approval
63. The general construction of the houseboat should show distinctive qualities of
luxury.
The houseboat should be furnished with superior quality carpets, curtains,
furniture etc.
Alternative arrangements for discharging solid wastes and sewage, like
scientifically designed septic tanks and chemical toilets.
Houseboat should be battery operated.
Provisions of 24-hour electricity on board the houseboat for lights and fans.
Provision of 24 hour hot and cold running water.
Availability of facility for purifying water on board the house boat.
Provision of a refrigerator or icebox on board.
Arrangement for providing guests a menu of their choice.
Staff members interacting with guests should be experienced and fluent in
English.
Houseboats approved by the Department of Tourism should fly a flag
inscribed with the mnemonic of the accorded status. The flag will be approved
by the Department of Tourism.
The Green Palm certification of House Boats
The houseboat satisfying the essential conditions and adhering to eco-friendly
measures prescribed by the Department of Tourism will be awarded the
41

Green Palm Certificate. The condition under which houseboats will be
accorded this status are given below:
Alternate arrangements should be made to:

o Collect all solid wastes generated with in the boat for discharge on
shore at specified locations.
o Treat sewage by providing scientifically designed septic tanks.
o Collect and store all waste water after washing and cleaning of
utensil using detergents.
o Collect all cleaning materials like cotton wastes/rags for disposal on
shore at specified locations.
o Bio-chemical toilets may also be used.
Alternate sources of energy for fuel, like solar power, to be used for heating,
lighting etc.
Arrangements of a system of separating recyclable from non-recyclable
garbage. Organising the disposal of non-biodegradable garbage in such a
manner so as not to harm the local environment.
Use of paper bags, cloth bags and other alternatives instead of polythene
bags, wherever possible.
Use of recycled paper for stationary and other publicity materials.
Use of locally available ethnic materials for construction of houseboats and
furniture.
At least 75% of the workers in a houseboat should be employed from districts
of the houseboats operation.
Houseboats using out board engines should acquire a pollution control
certificate every three months from a competent authority.
Procedure of approval
64. Every person indenting to start operations ion the backwaters of Kerala
should, if desiring to get classification, apply for approval to the Department
of Tourism in the prescribed form. Those already operating houseboats
42

should apply for the approval if they desire to get classification from the
Department of Tourism. The application form is available at the Directorate of
Tourism free of cost, sample enclosed at AppendixG attached. The
applications duly filled should be addressed to the Director, Department of
Tourism, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram.
A fee of Rs.500/- per houseboat should be enclosed with the application form
by way of Demand Draft drawn in favour of the Director, Department of
Tourism, Payable at Thiruvananthapuram.
Unless the application is rejected, the Director of Tourism will issue a
certificate of approval to the houseboat operator, on the recommendation of a
committee. The committee will give the recommendation after inspection of
the houseboat. Members of the committee are:
Director of Tourism (Convenor)
Representative of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI)
Representative of Approved & Classified Hotel Association of
Kerala (ACHA)
Two members nominated by the State Government
65. The approval will be valid for one year. The committee will inspect the
houseboats every year between the months of September and October. The
houseboats should be brought or inspection at the place where the committee
desires, at the expenses of the owners. The promoters should furnish a
declaration accepting the regulatory conditions to be abided by the promoters
of approved houseboats in the prescribed form.
Govt. Subsidies and License
66. Only the houseboats approved by the Department of Tourism under this
scheme will be eligible for claiming 10% state investment subsidy, eligible as
per G.O.(P) No. 14/88/GAD dated 12.11.88. The classification obtained under
this scheme is not substitute for the license/sanctions required will be
obtained from the authorities concerned under the existing rules and
regulations.
43

Statutory conditions for approval
67. All houseboats approved by the Department of Tourism are required to
furnish the following information;
Document relating to legal status, i.e. if the company is incorporated in the
Companies Act.
Copy of the memorandum and Articles of Association
Copy of the partnership deed and the certificated of Registration under the
partnership Act, if it is a partnership firm
Name and address of the proprietor etc, if it is a proprietary concern.
68. Any license required from the irrigation Department or other concerned
authorities to ply the boat in the backwaters should be obtained directly by the
promoters. The approval by the Department of Tourism will be withdrawn in
case of violation of these conditions, as and when brought to its notice. The
houseboat should apply for approval every year before the expiry of the
period of validity.
69.The promoter should display the approval certificate, logbook, tariff card on
board the houseboat. The logbook should be made available for inspection
when required.
In the breech of any of the above conditions, the Department of Tourism has
the right to withdraw approval.
44
CHAPTER 5 -
APPROVAL PROCESS
70. Requisite clearance as per CRZ Notification from the Ministry of

Environment and Forest will be required for activities falling within the
purview. Implications of CRZ notification and guidelines for construction with
in the CRZ are given at Appendix A and B respectively.
45

71. For all other activities the development proposal should proceed in
accordance with the planning approval process relevant to the State Town
Planning Regulations related to the master plan, to be finally approved by
the Tourism Conservation and Preservation Committee.
72.Application for land development/building construction with prescribed fees
and enclosures as mentioned in KMBR will be suibmitted to the local body
with a copy to Tourism Conservation and Preservation Committee. The
Tourism
Conservation
and
Preservation
Committee
on
reciept
of
recommendations from the LSGI will approve / reject the proposal indicating
reasons for rejection if any.
73. Application format for land development for tourism development activities
is enclosed at Appendix D attached.
46
Appendix
Appendix A
AP P L I C ATI O N F O R M AT F O R L AN D
D E V E L O P M E N T / C R E ATI O N O F N E W T O U R I S M
FAC I L I T I E S / R E - C L AS S I F I C ATI O N
(Specimen copy. Not to be filled in. Furnish details in company letterhead)
47

General
Name of the proposed tourism facility
:.............................................................
Purpose of the facility

(Please
add
separate
sheet,
if
necessary)
:.............................................................
Name and address of the promoters/owners

With
note
on
their
business
antecedents
:.............................................................
Complete postal address of the facility
:.............................................................
................................................................................................................................
Tel:..................................Fax:.........................Email:
Status of the owners/Promoters
:.............................................................
If public/private limited company, copies

of
memorandum
and
Articles
of
Association
If partnership, a copy of partnership deed

And certificate of registration
If proprietary concern, name and address

of proprietor/certificate of registration
Date on which the facility became

48

Operational (in case of reclassification) :.............................................................
Details of site with postal address,

Survey number, village, local body,
taluk and district
:.............................................................
..............................................................
..............................................................
:
Details of the facility
Plot area (in sq. metres) with title-owned/

leased with copies of sale/lease deed
Total land area, (in hectares) built-up area (in sq. metres.), carpet area (in sq.
metres). The area for each facility should be indicated in sq.ft.
Details of fire fighting measures/

hydrants etc
:.............................................................
Details of measures for energy conservation

and water harvesting and other eco-friendly
measures and initiatives.
Certificates/No Objection Certificates (attested copies)
Clearance certificate from Municipal Health

Officer/Sanitary Inspector giving clearance to
Your establishment from sanitary/hygienic
point of view
:..............................................................
Sanctioned building plans

:..............................................................
49
If classified earlier, a copy of the earlier

certificate of classification issued by the
Department of Tourism
Any other license from local authority as may be required

The above-mentioned approvals/No Objection Certificates are the responsibility
of the owners/promoters/concerned company as the case may be. The
Departments approval is no substitute for any statutory approval and the
approval given is liable to be withdrawn without notice in case of any violation or
misrepresentation of facts.
Details of application fee
A fee of Rs.500/- per land development/re-classification houseboat should be

enclosed with the application form by way of Demand Draft drawn in favour of the
Director, Department of Tourism, Payable at Thiruvananthapuram
Details of DD in the name of Director, Department of tourism, Government of

Kerala, payable at Trivandrum
Place:
Date:
Signature
50
Appendix B
AP P L I C ATI O N F O R M AT F O R C L AS S I F I C ATI O N O F
R E S TAU R AN T S
(Specimen copy. Not to be filled in. Furnish details in company letterhead)
General
Name of the Restaurant
:.............................................................
Name and address of the promoters/owners

With
note
on
their
business
antecedents
:.............................................................
Complete
postal
address
of
the
restaurant
:
................................................................................................................................
Tel:..................................Fax:.........................Email:
Status of the owners/Promoters
:.............................................................
If public/private limited company, copies
51

of
memorandum
and
Articles
of
Association
If partnership, a copy of partnership deed

And certificate of registration
If proprietary concern, name and address

of proprietor/certificate of registration
Date on which the restaurant became

Operational
:.............................................................
Details of restaurant site with postal address,

Survey number, village, local body,
taluk and district
:.............................................................
..............................................................
..............................................................
Details of restaurant site with distance from

Airport/railway station/city centre/downtown
shopping area (in km)/nearest tourist
attraction /centre/ name of the
road passing by etc.
:.............................................................
Details of the Restaurant
Plot area (in sq. metres) with title-owned/

leased with copies of sale/lease deed
52
Copy of Land Use permit from local

Authorities (if applicable)
Star category being applied for
:.............................................................
Total built-up area (in sq. metres.), carpet area of the restaurant portion (in sq.
metres.), capacity of the restaurant (No. of pax), carpet area of the kitchen (in
sq. metres.), details of public area-lobby/lounge, shopping area, conference
halls, parking facilities, facilities for the physically challenged persons,
communication facilities and any other additional facilities. The area for each
facility should be indicated in sq.ft.
Details of fire fighting measures/

hydrants etc
:.............................................................
Details of measures for energy conservation

and water harvesting and other eco-friendly
measures and initiatives.
Air conditioning details for restaurant,

public areas.
:..............................................................
Certificates/No Objection Certificates (attested copies)
Certificate/license from panchayath/

Municipality/corporation to show that your
Establishment
is
registered
as
restaurant
:..............................................................
Clearance certificate from Municipal Health

53

Officer/Sanitary Inspector giving clearance to
Your establishment from sanitary/hygienic
point of view
:..............................................................
Sanctioned building plans/occupancy

Certificate
:..............................................................
If classified earlier, a copy of the earlier

certificate of classification issued by the
Any other license from local authority as may be required

The above-mentioned approvals/No Objection Certificates are the responsibility
of the owners/promoters/concerned company as the case may be. The
Departments approval is no substitute for any statutory approval and the
approval given is liable to be withdrawn without notice in case of any violation or
misrepresentation of facts.
Details of application fee
Details of DD in the name of Director, Department of tourism, Government of

Kerala, payable at Trivandrum
Place:
Date:
Signature
54
Appendix C
APPLICATION PROFORMA FOR

THE CLASSIFICATION OF AYURVEDA CENTRES
1. Name of the Ayurveda Centre, if any
: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
2. Name of the promoters with full postal address :_________________________

_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
3. Status of owners/promoters, whether
company is (copy of Memorandum and
Articles of Association may be furnished)
a) Partnership firm (copy of partnership
deed certificate of registration under
partnership Act may be furnished)
: _________________________
b) Proprietary concern(if yes, give name

and address of the promoters)
: _________________________
4. Location of the centre along with full address : _________________________

_________________________
_________________________
5. Details of location
55

(a) Area
: _________________________
(b) Title(whether outright purchase)
Yes
No
If yes, copy of the registered lease deed

should be furnished
(c) Survey number
: _________________________
(d) Village, taluk and district
: _________________________
(e) Distance from nearest town
: _________________________
(f) Distance from nearest railway station
: _________________________
(g) Distance from nearest airport
: _________________________
6. If centre is attached to a hotel/resort/ospital
: _________________________
7. Details of the building
: _________________________
(a) Plinth area(floor-wise)
: _________________________
(b) Building number
: _________________________
(c) Details of building license from local body

(attach blueprint of the building and
copy of building license)
: _________________________
8. Details of facilities
: _________________________
Room type
Nos.
a. Health room
b. Attached Toilet
c. Consultation room
d. Rest room
e. Hall for yoga/meditation
56
Size

f. Number of guest rooms
(if attached to hotel/resort)

g. Medicine room
h. Bath tubs attached to toilets
i. Other facilities (please specify. Attach :

separate sheet if necessary)
9. Details of equipment
: _________________________
a. Massage table (number and size)
b. Gas or electric stove
Yes
No
c. Medicated water facility
Yes
No
d. Facilities of sterilization
Yes
No
e. Facility of steam bath
Yes
No
f. Others, if any (please specify)
10. Details of personnel

a. Name
and
address
of
consultant
Physician
57

b. Qualification of consultant Physician :
(attach copy of the relevant certificates)
c. Number of male masseurs
d. Number of female masseurs
11. Quality of medicine and health programmes

a. The firm that supplies medicines
(with full address)
b. The
health
programmes
offered(specify
:
length of each treatment programme)
12. Acceptance of the regulatory condition
: _________________________
(this should be furnished in the

prescribed proforma)
13. Application fee (details of DD)
: _________________________
(a demand draft for Rs.2,500/-drawn in

favour of the Director, Department of Tourism,
Government of Kerala, Park View,
Thiruvananthapuram 695 033, is to be
enclosed with the application)
58

Full name & designation of the applicant
Place:
Date:
59
PROFORMA OF ACCEPTANCE OF REGULATORY CONDITIONS
The Director
Government of Kerala
Park View
Thiruvananthapuram 695 033
Dear Sir,
Subject: Acceptance of Regulatory Conditions
I have received a copy of the Regulatory Conditions prescribed
by the Department of Tourism for the classification of Ayurveda
centres, and wish to confirm that I shall abide by the same and
such other conditions as may be laid down from time to time by
the Department of Tourism for the classification of Ayurveda
centers.
Yours faithfully,
Signature
Name in block letters
:
Managing director/Partner/Proprietor
Name of company/houseboat :
Date:
Place:
60

Appendix D
APPLICATION PROFORMA FOR

THE CLASSIFICATION OF HOUSEBOATS
1. Name of the houseboat/company, if any
: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
2. Name of the promoters with full postal address :_________________________

_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
3. Status of owners/promoters, whether
company is (copy of memorandum and
Articles of Association may be furnished)
a) Partnership firm (copy of partnership
deed certificate of registration under
partnership Act may be furnished)
b) Proprietary concern
: _________________________
4. Telephone/Fax/Emailed
: _________________________
5. Details of houseboat cut number
: _________________________
Canal license number and period of validity
: _________________________
Length
: _________________________
Breadth
: _________________________
61

Old/new vallam
: _________________________
Outboard engine
: HP_______________________
6.Location from where the houseboat is operated :_________________________

_________________________
_________________________
7.Details of facilities
Room type
Nos.
1. Bedroom(s)
2. Toilet(s)
3. Living/dining
4. Kitchen
5. Passage (width to be given)
6. others(please specify)
Size
_________________________
_________________________
8.Number of staff
: _________________________
9. Details of safety equipment
: _________________________
Number of lifebuoys
: _________________________
Number of fire buckets
: _________________________
Number of fire extinguishers
: _________________________
Other, if any (please specify)
: _________________________
62
_________________________

_________________________
10.Facilities on board (please tick wherever applicable)
a. Solid waste disposal
(septic tank/chemical toilets/directly into
backwater)
b. Battery operated
Yes
No
c. Provision for electricity for light & fan on board
Yes
No
d. Provision for cold and hot running water on board
Yes
No
e. Provision for purifying water on board
Yes
No
f. Refrigerator/icebox on board
Yes
No
g. Arrangements for food as per the menu of guests

choice
Yes
No
11. Acceptance of regulatory conditions

12.Details of application fee
TO BE FILLED BY THOSE APPLYING FOR GREEN PALM CERTIFICATE
Briefly describe
1. Solid waste & sewerage disposal system use: _________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Use of alternate source of energy
:__________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. Garbage disposal method
: _________________________
63

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. Practices to avoid use of polythene bags
: _________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. Practices of using recycled paper for stationary
& publicity materials
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
6. Practices of using local ethnic materials for
construction and furniture
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
7. Employment from local communities
Total number of employees
Number of employees from the district of

houseboats operation
8. Details of certification obtained from competent

authority on the performance of engine
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
64
PROFORMA OF ACCEPTANCE OF REGULATORY CONDITIONS

The Director
Government of Kerala
Park View
Thiruvananthapuram 695 033
Dear Sir,
Subject: Acceptance of Regulatory Conditions
I have received a copy of the Regulatory Conditions prescribed
by the Department of Tourism for Approval of Houseboats, and
wish to confirm that I shall abide by the same and such other
conditions as may be laid down from time to time by the
Department of Tourism for approved houseboats.
Yours faithfully
Signature
Name in block letters
:
Managing director/Partner/Proprietor
Name of company/houseboat :
Date:
Place:
65
66
Guidelines for the Conservation and Preservation of Special

Tourism Zone Kumarakom, as per the Kerala Tourism
( Conservation and Preservation of Areas ) Ordinance , 2005
67

Kumarakom

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Kumarakom

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Kumarakom

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Introduction, Objectives & Application

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

1. Short Title, Applicability and Commencement

to the subject concerned.

2. Kumarakom situated 18 Kms. Northwest of Kottayam, with its breathtaking

3. The Government of Kerala has promulgated the Tourism (Conservation and

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

6. Application. These guidelines are intended to address all developmental

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

7. Extent and Delineation. Kumarakom Panchayath (90 37 N Latitude and 760

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Guiding Principles & Developmental Policies

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

8. These Guidelines address specific issues, which have an impact on scenic

9. Conserving the communitys resources, so that ecological processes, on

11. Mangrove protection and afforestation shall be encouraged.

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Development Promotion Regulations

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

d. For all tourism based developments KMBR rules will apply.

Canals and streams will not be filled up to create motor-able access to

g. Annual maintenance dredging of internal canals will be mandatory.

programmes. It shall be mandatory for all proponents of tourism related

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

a. The areas identified as Resort/Institutional areas in the land use

b. Presently, 61.22 ha of land have been committed for tourism

c. Out of 101.66 ha of land, a major share will be used for establishing

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

13. Listed Natural Features, Common Utility Assets and Services.

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

Natural drains and canals should not be blocked or filled up.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

From Canal Width of canal or 50 m which ever is less

Kerala State Tourism Department.

Special Tourism Zone Kumarakom

Guidelines For Conservation and Preservation.

Mangrove & Marshy Land

The area included by the following survey numbers