Govt. decision to withdraw tourist restrictions at Idukki dam welcomed

Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the government decision to withdraw tourist restrictions at the Idukki dam.

According to Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, the decision was taken at a recent meeting in Thiruvananthapuram with Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty.

Mr. Augustine said an expert team visited the Idukki Assembly constituency recently to find the possibility of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) implementing various projects.

Following the visit, a meeting was held in Thiruvananthapuram to deliberate on the projects. “During the meeting, the Electricity Minister urged the lifting of tourist restrictions at the dam, enabling tourists to walk across it. The proposal was accepted.”

“The dam will be opened for tourists next month, from the first week onwards,” said the Minister.

Meanwhile, the tourism stakeholders have welcome the government move.

Kerala Hotel and Resorts Association Cheruthoni unit executive member Dominic V.A. said it was a long-term demand of the tourism stakeholders in Cheruthoni. “After the KSEB hydel tourism wing restricted the tourist entry through buggy cars, hundreds of tourists had to return without getting entry tickets. The decision to allow tourists to walk across the dam will attract more tourists to the destination,” he said.

District Tourism Promotion Council secretary Jiteesh Jose said the government decision would attract more tourists to Cheruthoni. “Cheruthoni is an emerging tourism destination in the district. Idukki Park, Hill View Park, Migration Museum, and Eco Lodge are the other attractions there. In addition, more tourism projects will be implemented in Cheruthoni,” said Mr. Jose.

The KSEB dam safety wing had in July 2023 imposed restrictions on tourist entry after a visitor placed locks on the earthing strips of eight high-mast lights on the Cheruthoni and Idukki dams, which the authorities considered a security breach . A type of liquid was also poured on the wire rope of the Cheruthoni dam shutters.

After the incident, the KSEB hydel tourism wing allowed tourist entry only on buggy cars. Only 800 people can visit the dam a day using buggy cars.