Idukki to Resume MUV Safari in 15 Days: District Collector

Quick Summary

• Ban announcement and Reason: The Idukki District Collector, V. Vigneshwari, announced a temporary ban on off-road multi-utility vehicle (MUV) safaris and trekking after a recent accident in Munnar, which resulted in one death and injuries to ten tourists.
• Resumption Timeline: Safari and trekking services are expected to resume within 15 days following safety measures.
• Safety Model Adoption: A Kolukkumala model is planned for implementation across the district, incorporating routine inspections, fixed rates, and prescribed routes for trekking to enhance safety standards.
• Concerns Raised:

– Risky operation of off-road MUVs poses risks to tourists.
– Reports of vehicles driving close to wild elephants present additional threats.
– Financial losses reported due to canceled prebooked trips resulting from sudden ban enforcement.

• Protests by CPI(M): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] criticized the abruptness of the ban, arguing that it affected local livelihoods. CPI(M) leadership expressed support for ongoing protests against the decision.

indian opinion Analysis

the temporary suspension on off-road MUV safaris in Idukki reflects an urgent response from authorities prioritizing tourist safety after a fatal accident. While transitioning these activities into a more regulated format under the Kolukkumala model could perhaps mitigate risks associated with unsafe practices or environmental interferences like proximity to wild elephants, its effective implementation will require robust enforcement mechanisms.Tho, concerns about livelihoods impacted by this abrupt decision cannot be ignored. Tourism operators relying on these ventures are economically strained due to short-notice cancellations. Protests signify the need for greater stakeholder consultations before implementing changes affecting regional businesses.

Successfully balancing tourism sector benefits with visitor safety remains critical as Idukki moves toward structured operational frameworks that consider both economic implications and risk mitigation approaches.

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