Date:07/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/07/stories/2006120710530100.htm

Front Page

Periyar Dam issue affects tourist flow to Thekkady

R. Sairam

MADURAI : The Mullaperiyar dam issue has an adverse impact on the tourism sector in the areas around the dam and threatens to hit the tourism-dependent economy badly.

The tourist hot spots of Thekkady, Kumili and nearby places are already feeling the pinch, as there has been a sharp decline in tourist flow.

Says Mohammed Salim, an autorickshaw driver in Kumili who doubles up as a tourist guide, "There has been almost a 50 per cent decline in tourist arrivals this year. Many of them think that the dam is unsafe and might break."

One place where the impact is more is the Periyar Lake. Generally, around 10 boats, with a capacity to ferry 500 people, ply on the lake. Of late, only less than half the fleet is operated, with the remaining lying idle, owing to lack of patronage.

Portions of many houses in Kumili are rented out to tourists. Rooms, which fetched not less than Rs.1, 000 during this period last year, were now available for Rs.500 and prices could plunge further, said Anitha Kesavan, a landlady (name changed on request).

One way or the other, the issue should be resolved at the earliest, Mr. Salim said, adding that the livelihood of many, including his own, were directly linked to the dam.