Wayanad ecotourism centers remain closed; stakeholders are working to resolve

The local population, who mostly depends on tourism for their livelihood, has suffered greatly as a result of the closure of eco-tourist centers in the region as a result of the current wave of wild animal assaults.

Following the unfortunate murder of a forest watcher in a wild elephant assault, a High Court decision necessitated the interim lockdown, which has put many people and families in desperate circumstances. Since February 17, the district’s forest department’s ecotourism centers have all shuttered.

Once thriving tourist destinations, Kuruva Island and the Meenmutty waterfalls are now abandoned due to fear of encountering wild animals. For others like seasoned cab driver Joseph Jacob, whose income is dependent on serving tourists, the abrupt end of employment has left a financial gap and raised concerns about the future.

“I have been taking tourists to various places in Wayanad for the past 42 years,” said Joseph, a taxi driver at Vythiri. However, I have not received a single call in the last 20 days. Wayanad has its peak tourist season during the summer months, but given the present circumstances, the days ahead don’t seem to be promising for the industry, he added.

The district’s economy as a whole will be impacted by the closure in addition to the local stakeholders. The Wayanad District Tourist Guides Association emphasizes how critical it is to get things back to normal as soon as possible in order to sustain the area’s economy.As per the members of the organization, concerted efforts have to be focused on putting in place strong safety measures to alleviate the hazards associated with wild animals, while also formulating plans to assist those who rely on tourism.