Partial jeep safari ban in Idukki: Where is it permitted, how has it affected tourism

Idukki: The district collector has issued an order banning all off – roading jeep safari activities until further notice. The ban is applicable for individuals as well as institutions that offer off – road jeep safaris. However, the ban wouldn’t affect the off-road services that has the official approval of the district administration. Meanwhile, the jeeps that carry tourists to Kolukkumala can operate with the mandatory registration issued by the motor vehicle department. The district administration has imposed a ban on jeep safaris as accidents have allegedly been on the rise due to unsafe driving practices. The committee that has been appointed to study the issue and provide recommendations will submit the report by July 10.

Why no ban in Kolukkumala
The motor vehicle department stated that the ban does not apply to the jeep safari to Kolukkumala, as this region can only be accessed by jeep. The jeeps in Kolukkumala run service by strictly adhering to the guidelines and also with the approval of a committee that comprise of officials from various departments. Authorities say the motor vehicle department, DTPC, police and panchayat work hand in hand to ensure safe jeep rides to Kolukkumala. More than 230 jeeps, that can accommodate up to six passengers, run regular services from Suryanelli to Kolukkumala.

The DTPC official who mans the ticket counter will issue tickets to Kolukkumala only after the jeep drivers undergo a breathalyser test. Additionally, motor vehicle officials conduct safety checks every three months to renew registrations. Drivers with special licences and up to 3–5 years of experience are allowed to take tourists on the Kolukkumala trek. Additionally, jeep drivers are also required to obtain a police clearance certificate. The motor vehicle department conducts awareness classes and safety campaigns for the jeep drivers at regular intervals.

Is ban the solution?
Jeeps are the only mode of transportation available to most tourist spots in the high ranges. Jeep owners and drivers have been urging the authorities to lift the ban by regulating schedules and imposing stricter guidelines. Those who work in the tourism field hope that off-roading vehicles will be uniformly regulated and scheduled according to specific guidelines. Meanwhile, the collector’s order has drawn widespread criticism and protests from jeep owners as well as the tourism sector.

How will it affect tourism
Hundreds of jeep drivers and their families have been pushed into poverty after the district collector issued an order banning off–road jeep safari in the district. Although the district administration has taken this action due to rising number of road accidents, ban on off – road jeep safari is likely to hinder the tourism activities.

Ramakkalmedu empty
Around 103 jeeps run services in the Ramakkalmedu – Amappara region alone, which is one of the prominent tourist centres in the district. The thrilling jeep safari to Amappara is, in fact, a significant highlight of this trip. If the ban continues, the tourists will miss out on the adventurous jeep rides which is a unique feature of Idukki’s tourism. Meanwhile, another famous tourist spot, Ramakkalmedu, has looked forlorn and empty since the ban took effect.

How Munnar is affected
The tourists arriving in Munnar mostly rely on these jeeps to visit prominent tourism spots like Mattupetti, Top Station, Gap Road, Suryanelli, Vattavada, and Mankulam, as well as for enjoying adventurous off–road trips. Overspeeding and careless driving on the dangerous curvy roads of Munnar have led to accidents and mishaps in certain instances. More than 150 jeep drivers in Munnar and their families are facing a bleak future after the jeep safari ban.

Jeep safari in Marayur and Kanthalloor
The jeep safari is a key factor that attracts tourists to the scenic countryside of Marayur and Kanthalloor. The safari here generally covers Muruganmala, Kacharam waterfalls, Erachilpara waterfalls, Bhramaram view point and the iconic fruit and vegetables orchards.

Youngsters often spend hefty sums to purchase jeeps to earn a living and look after their families. There are more than 300 jeeps in the Marayur and Kanthalloor panchayats. The panchayat administration states that more than 1500 families of the jeep owners and drivers depend on jeep safari for their livelihood. The ban on jeep safari is a blow to the people of the high ranges, as most farmers have turned to tourism due to wild animal attacks and poor yields.

Off–road jeeps in difficult terrain
Tourists often hire jeeps to visit places like Chunayamakkal in Vellathooval panchayat, Ponmudi in Konnathadi and Rajakkad panchayats, Akkathangachi rocks in Shantanpara panchayat, and Chathurangapara in Anayirangal, Kallipara, and Udumbanchola panchayats. More than 500 jeep drivers in the Chinnakanal, Shantanpara, Vellathooval and Rajakkad panchayats offer off–road trekking to tourists to earn their livelihood.

Tourism gets hit in Adimali
Around 500 jeep owners in the Anachal and Mankulam regions fear that the jeep safari ban will adversely affect their livelihood. It is assumed that the ban will subsequently cause trouble for the hotel industry as well as other tourism sectors. More than 300 families in Anachal survive with the meagre income earned through jeep safaris. Besides, around 150 jeeps in Mankulam take visitors for off–road trekking. Vehicle owners and drivers state that the jeeps that do trekking here possess all the required documents and certifications.