Thodupuzha: Regulations would be brought into rein in the unauthorised off-road jeep safaris at the tourist destinations in Kerala's Idukki district.
A meeting chaired by Collector H Dinesh decided to control the high-speed and adventurous jeep rides at tourist centres of Kumaly, Vagamon, Ramakkalmedu and Chinnakkanal. The regulation could also be extended to other tourist centres in the district.
Prior permission needed
Vehicles need to take prior permission from the Joint RTO offices in the Idukki district to conduct off-road safari. The permission would be granted for three months.
Four-wheelers would be brought under the regulation in the first phase.
Special ID cards would be given to the drivers of safari vehicles. Stickers too would be put up on the vehicles. Drivers would need to have five years of experience.
The time period for the registration for drivers in the Idukki district is from December 1 to 5. They would have to renew the registration every three months. When vehicles from other districts arrive in Idukki for the safari, the drivers would have to directly approach the Joint RTO offices and get the permission.
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) would open information centres and ticket counters for the jeep safaris at the tourism destinations.
Electronic boards would be set up that would clearly mark all the routes and the route charge. Brochures on this too would be distributed.
