Vannappuram: The demand for opening a fire station in Vannappuram panchayat is rising, as the region remains vulnerable to delayed rescue operations and frequent emergencies.

Although a fire station had been sanctioned for Vannappuram a few years ago, the project never took off as authorities failed to identify suitable land for the facility. Eventually, the station was shifted to Rajakkad under political influence, leaving Vannappuram residents still waiting for the service.

The need for a fire station at Vannappuram is undeniable, as the local body is home to several popular tourist destinations and is also traversed by a state highway that winds through hilly terrain. In the event of accidents or emergencies, the nearest fire and rescue team has to rush from Thodupuzha, located 22 kilometres away, often arriving too late to prevent major damage.

A string of recent incidents highlights this gap. A car caught fire at a fuel station in Vannappuram and was completely gutted. Local residents and the Kaliyar police tried in vain to control the blaze. By the time a mobile fire tender arrived from Thodupuzha, the vehicle had already been reduced to ashes.

Another tragic case occurred at the Thommankuthu waterfalls, where a man slipped into the water while angling and drowned. Fire and Rescue personnel, along with a scuba diving team, carried out an extensive search but could not recover the victim on the first day.

Such incidents are not uncommon here, as tourists who frequent sites like the Thommankuthu waterfalls often find themselves in danger. Each time, rescue teams have to come from Thodupuzha or even Kalloorkad. Adding to the urgency is the vulnerability of Vannappuram’s interior regions to monsoon-related disasters and other natural calamities.