DTPC, Forest department tussle mars tourism growth

KOZHIKODE: The tourism development in many parts of Malabar has been mired down by long-drawn tussle between the forest department and District Tourism Promotion Council and related agencies.

The lack of harmony between the two departments restrict tourists from around the globe, also hindering the growth of the state’s tourism sector to a certain extent.

Some of such tourist spots are Kakkayam, Adyanpara in Nilambur, Thusharagiri and Banasura. Due to this, the forest department restricts many trekking spots, especially foreign visitors.

Talking about Kakkayam dam reservoir, the recently developed tourism spot by KSEB under its Hydel tourism project, the project manager Sivadasan K. said, “Even though KSEB undertakes the complete tourism development of the region, the forest department takes the entry fees of Rs 40 from each person.”

“It is for using the road the entry fee is charges,” he said. “But the irony is that the KSEB constructs the road as part of its tourism development under its jurisdiction”.

Similar is the case with Thusharagiri where the DTPC collects parking and camera charges that come to Rs 100.

“But when a tourist gets inside the forest, the eco-tourism auth-orities under the forest department restrict using the video camera and ask for special permission from DFO,” Kodenchery panchayat president Antony Neervelil said.

Both the authorities take money from tourists without providing them with any services they require.

“The forest department receives funds from the government. But it is not concerned about providing at least the basic facilities for tourists,” he said.