Munnar: The demand to open the tourism aid post in Mattupetty that has been under lock and key for years has been gaining traction lately, as incidents of violence against tourists have become rampant in the area.

The building constructed near the entrance area of the Mattupetti dam for the police department is now covered in thickets and bushes. Besides, the aid post has also become a safe haven for criminals and anti-social elements. 

Years ago, tourism police that donned a special uniform was appointed in Munnar to ensure the safety of the tourists. An aid post too was built for them at Mattupetti.

The tourism police that functioned efficiently in the first few months, however, got disbanded. Meanwhile, Kochi Range IG who had visited Mattupetti in May 2023 got stuck in the traffic for hours. Later he summoned the then district police chief and Munnar DySP for a meeting.

He had instructed to reopen the aid post and appoint more police personnel in Kundala, Eco Point and Mattupetti areas for managing the traffic as well as to maintain law and order. However, two and a half years later, the aid post remains closed and no police officer has been appointed here to ensure the safety of the tourists.