KOCHI: Large areas of the Vembanad lake were transformed into cultivable lands in the beginning of the 19th century, during the reign of Sri Moolam Thirunal, to meet the food requirement of the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore.
Of these, Methran Kayal, a paddy polder in the Kumarakom panchayat, was the richest land in terms of productivity.
Unfortunately, Methran Kayal has been falling prey to unsustainable developmental activities, which is making land non-cultivable. When cultivated properly, the land had produced more than 10,500 quintal of rice, annually.
Methran Kayal, which was handed over to the Malankara Orthodox Church during the time of Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysious-I by Sri Moolam Thirunal, was also called the ‘Seminary Kayal’.
According to the Orthodox Church, the area was handed over to some farmers for cultivation during the time of Geevarghese Mar Vattasseril (Vattasseril Thirumeni), in return for a stipulated quantity of rice to be given to the Kottayam Old Seminary.
All those who cultivated paddy there were members of the Orthodox Church, except for one Hindu family. All, except the Hindu family, refused to return the land. Then, the Thirumeni asked the Hindu family to keep the land with them.
The Church authorities did not take any legal action against those who held the land against the agreement. Later, an area of around 417 acre went to private parties, which was cultivated until 2006.
The Project
Ras-al Khaimah based Rakeen Group, along with Retremex, a prominent mining firm, has formed a real estate group titled Rackinto Developers. The joint venture is planning to build Rackindo Kumarakom Resort, consisting of a Seven-star resort; one Five-star hotel; an international convention centre; luxury cottages; theatre; and golf course etc. According to the Group’s website, Rakeen is an innovative property developer with a fresh approach to development, with focus on creating eco-friendly and architecturally unique properties for living and working environments alike. Meaning ‘central pillar’ in Arabic, Rakeen is backed by His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah.