A safe destination project, with the support of the Tourism department and the police, will be implemented at Pathankayam waterfalls, where around 20 tourists have drowned over the years in unguarded stretches of the popular eco-tourism spot. The project will be taken up with the support of local administrators, with priority given to the deployment of trained lifeguards and the mandatory use of lifejackets for visitors entering the area.
For several years, unrestricted access to dangerous stretches of the waterfalls has posed a major challenge for local administrators and destination management committees. Miscreants flouting safety norms have also tarnished the image of the destination, leading to recurring accidents.
According to newly elected local body members from the area, the destination has been proposed to be included under the State government’s Destination Challenge Scheme, with an expected financial assistance of ₹2 crore. A participatory village tourism model, supported by a well-equipped destination management committee, is also under consideration, they said.
The construction of retaining walls and barriers to block restricted access points is among the measures being examined. Residents point out that tourists continue to access prohibited areas in the absence of a live monitoring mechanism, and have demanded the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at such points to track encroachments and enable stringent action with police support.
Meanwhile, members of the Thiruvambadi grama panchayat, who recently visited the site to assess security requirements, said the safe destination project under consideration would ensure active police participation. They added that the long-pending demand for a police outpost covering major eco-tourism locations would again be taken up with higher authorities.
Under the proposed project, proposals have already been finalised for the construction of a tourism facilitation centre, information counter, cafeteria, parking facilities, hygienic comfort stations and first-aid facilities. Support from residents willing to participate in sustainable tourism development initiatives will also be sought.
“The participation of Thiruvambadi and Kodenchery grama panchayat will be crucial for the implementation of projects proposed by the Tourism department. Many of these proposals have remained pending for years due to a lack of coordination,” said a local tourism entrepreneur from Kodenchery.
Curated by Aisha Patel
