Wayanad: With monsoon showers subsiding in the district, the Wayanad District Administration has lifted restrictions on major tourism activities, including adventure tourism, effective Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a green alert, indicating no rain warnings in Wayanad until August 3.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, District Collector Dr R Meghasree announced that all tourist destinations in the district are now open to visitors.

Restrictions had previously been imposed on access to popular tourist spots such as En Ooru, Soochippara Waterfalls, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, and trekking to Chembra Peak. Operations of resorts and homestays in ecologically sensitive areas like Makkimala and Kambamala (in Thavinjal Panchayat, Mananthavady Taluk), as well as Thollayiramkandi (in Meppadi Panchayat, Vythiri Taluk), were also temporarily halted.

The curbs were put in place following expert assessments identifying these areas as landslide-prone zones.

The latest order also directs concerned departments to ensure that tourists do not enter water bodies near the waterfalls. Notably, most major waterfalls in the district fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department.

However, restrictions will continue for tourism activities on Kuruva Islands. Prohibitory orders on the operation of granite quarries and the use of earthmovers (JCBs) also remain in effect, the District Collector clarified.