Nestled in the lap of nature amid lush green surroundings and flanked by picturesque mountains, tourist destinations scattered across the hilly terrain on the eastern border of Kottayam district are frequented by people throughout the year. But there is a growing concern over the safety of visitors as the authorities concerned seem to be completely unconcerned about security aspects and basic facilities at these popular weekend getaways.
A majority of the tourist destinations in Kottayam, that have been brought under the state government’s green and eco-tourism initiative, are located on the eastern stretches bordering Idukki district. They include Vagamon, Illikkal Kallu, Elaveezhapoonjira, and waterfalls located at Marmala, Kattikkayam, and Aruvikkachal. Other than road connectivity, nothing much has improved in terms of basic facilities and safety measures.
Though the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has taken over conservation and maintenance of these spots, they still lack safety aspects and basic amenities because of certain issues between the Council and the Revenue Department. It is said that tourism activities have suffered due to the Revenue Department’s unwillingness to allow DTPC to carry out developmental works on the sites in its possession.
Scenic yet treacherous Illikkal Kallu
After several incidents of joy trips ending in tragedies at Illikkal Kallu, signboards and barbed-wire fencing had been erected in the past at strategic places close to the spot. However, old barricades meant as protective barriers are dilapidated and signage and wire fence, that are supposed to discourage tourists from making any adventurous stride, are damaged.
As there are only three security guards deployed by the Tourism Department to man the area, it is difficult to keep an eye on the movement of tourists when the numbers swell during holidays. On an average, around thousand tourists visit the place on weekends and holidays. The nearest police station is at Melukavu, about 20 kilometers away from Illikkal Kallu.
Mindless acts by visitors
Kattikkayam, where an accident took place the other day, is deprived of proper roads. The authorities had erupted steel pipe fencing at unprotected stretches to ensure the safety of visitors. But most of them have been either damaged or destroyed. According to local people, visitors were seen taking the railings off and throwing them down to ‘enjoy’ the sound of steel pipes hitting the rocks beneath!
The situation in Vagamon, located on the Kottayam-Idukki border, is no different. Apart from establishing a police station around a one-and-a-half year ago, no other measures have been initiated in the area to ensure the safety of visitors. The watch tower on the Erattupetta-Vagamon stretch, which is under construction, and the speed-breakers close to it will not be sufficient for ensuring the visitors’ safety.
Anti-socials thrive
Located quite away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Elaveezhapoonjira is comparatively a safer destination as far as its geographical features are concerned, but anti-social elements are on the prowl in the area. Recently, the police have arrested two persons for allegedly attempting to attack a bike-borne couple. There is no police station in the locality and the service of tourism police is not also made available.
Accidental deaths due to drowning is an issue of concern at the Marmala waterfalls, especially during the monsoon season, thanks to the lack of a proper protective mechanism. There were incidents of people being swept away in the waterfall after water level rose suddenly due to flash floods triggered by heavy raining in Vagamon and Vellikkulam areas. The rocky terrain also poses a great risk to the safety of holidaymakers. Unfortunately, no efforts have been made by the authorities concerned to put up sign boards to warn visitors of unsafe locations.
Death traps in the lake
There were several accidental deaths due to drowning at Kumarakom coast in the Vembanad lake in the recent past. Many incidents of overcrowded houseboats tilling and sinking in the lake and tourists accidentally falling off houseboats into the water have been reported. However, there are no measures in place to carry out rescue operations in the event of an accident. Rescue efforts get delayed as it takes time for the fire force unit from Kottayam to reach the spot.
Moreover, the authorities concerned have not put up any warning sign at ‘danger zones’ in the lake. Personnel attached to the tourism police have been deployed in the area, but no other steps have been initiated to ensure proper surveillance. Since the tourism police are not equipped with skills or materials for emergency situations, it is the local people who brave to plunge into rescue operations.
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