Safe destination project on the cards for Pathankayam falls in Kozhikode

A safe destination project will be implemented with the support of the Tourism department and police at Pathankayam waterfalls, where around 20 tourists have drowned over the years in the unprotected areas of the popular eco-tourism spot. The project will be carried out with the support of local administrators, and it is planned to primarily employ trained lifeguards and make the use of life jackets mandatory for visitors entering the region.

For several years now, unrestricted access to dangerous areas of the waterfalls has been a major challenge for local administrators and destination management committees. Malicious individuals who disregard safety norms have also tarnished the image of the destination, leading to repeated accidents.

According to the newly elected local body members from the district, the destination has been proposed to be included under the State government’s Destination Challenge Scheme and the expected financial assistance will be ₹2 crore. A participatory village tourism model supported by a well-equipped destination management committee is also being considered, they said.

The construction of retaining walls and barriers to prevent restricted access points are among the measures being examined. Residents of the area stated that tourists continue to access prohibited areas in the absence of live monitoring mechanism and demanded the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at such points to monitor encroachments and ensure strict action is taken with police support.

Meanwhile, Thiruvambadi grama panchayat members, who recently visited the area to assess the security requirements, said that the said safe destination project will ensure active participation of the police. They added that the long-awaited demand for a police station covering major eco-tourism areas will be taken up again by higher authorities.

Within the scope of the proposed project, proposals for the construction of a tourism facilitation centre, information counter, cafeteria, parking facilities, hygienic comfort stations and first aid facilities have already been finalised. Support will also be sought from residents willing to participate in sustainable tourism development initiatives.

“The participation of Thiruvambadi and Kodenchery grama panchayat will be crucial for the implementation of projects proposed by the Tourism department. Most of these proposals have remained pending for years due to lack of coordination,” said a local tourism entrepreneur from Kodenchery.