Bison valley, Idukki: Frequent accidents on the Chemmanar road section of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi highway have forced the Kerala public works department (PWD) to issue a warning for motorists. It has come to light that vehicles met with accidents after experiencing brake failure while driving down a steep slope here. The road is widely used by the tourists who visit Munnar-Chinnakanal and by people of the nearby four villages.
Four vehicles had toppled on the dangerous stretch in the past two months after break failure. The latest incident reported from the area involved a van which carried tourists from Maharashtra. The accident occurred at Kakkakada junction two weeks ago.
Locals alleged that the area became accident-prone after the PWD altered the structure of the roads under the Idukki division. They have demanded action to rectify before the Kurinji season commences in a few weeks.
A large number of tourists are expected to travel to Munnar on this road to witness the blooming of the rare flower Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana). The flower blooms only once in 12 years. The next blooming season of 'Neelakurinji' is from July to October.
