Alappuzha, Saturday, August 14, 2010: Mesmerised by the natural beauty of Kerala, President Pratibha Patil today impressed upon the need to ensure that its pristine backwaters remain pollution free and asked the state to draft a masterplan for sustainable tourism.

“Kerala has everything - beaches, misty hill stations, the backwaters, forestlands rich with a large variety of flora and fauna. It has historic monuments and a rich variety of art and culture. It’s alluring beauty and serenity leaves tourists mesmerised,” the President, who is on a three-day tour of Kerala, said while inaugurating the 58th historic Nehru Trophy boat race here.

To all these advantages, can be added boat race festivals to make Kerala a favoured tourist destination, she said.

The President asked the state administration to develop sustainable tourism with the help of a properly drafted master plan.

(News Agency)