Boatmen of Malarikkal water lily tourism gear up to aid flood-hit families: Contact numbers

They are skilled at ferrying tourists through picturesque water lily fields of Kerala's Malarikkal, but that's not all, say these boatmen. Around 95 rowers from Kottayam's Malarikkal, renowned for its acres of pink water lily meadows, are all set to help the flood-hit in the areas that require their help. Most of them are themselves affected by the flood; regardless, their readiness to help others has been expressed in their groups, says Malarikkal Boating Convenor Binumon PR Puthuchira. 

Binumon says, "The boatmen have been helping each other in the past few days following the flooding problems in our area, which is quite rampant. Though nobody has been moved to relief camps yet, everyone is affected. That said, we are all set to help others in need too." They have started getting inquiries from nearby regions for assistance as well. "All of our boatmen can swim and can navigate rough waters of the floods too, easily," explains Binu.

How to reach out 
Malarikkal Boating Convener Binu - 9567679173
Malarikkal 13 Ward Member - 9947700317
Thiruvarppu Panchayath President - 9656225593
Thiruvarppu Panchayath Vice President - 9447280535

How floods affected tourism
Currently, the vast stretches of the water lilies have been submerged under floodwater, but it doesn't mean the season is over, says Shajimon VK, President of the Malarikkal Tourism Society. "The water level has increased around 2 feet in the past few days after incessant rains. However, it's good for the plants. They will remain submerged for a while and re-emerge even more strongly. The best of this year's water lily blooms are yet to come," says Shajimon. Once the rains stop, the flowers might take around a week to bloom again. After that, the season can go on till mid-October, he says. 

Interestingly, tourists are still pouring into Malarikkal, despite the floods. "There are tourists coming from outside Kerala, who had booked boating and stays here much in advance. Many of them are reaching out saying they would just like to see the place, at the least. We have been informing them of the current situation and to avoid the trip for the time being," Shajimon says.