JOIN USRampant tourism activities affect forest dwellers
Recent measures of the Kerala government to bring in guidelines for tent tourism has triggered concerns among environmentalists, as they fear that it could be a move to legalise the illegal tourism activities happening in core forest areas under the cover of adventure or eco-tourism.
Such activities are also posing serious concerns to the tribal communities of Wayanad.
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In fact, a tribal woman died in suspicious circumstances, a couple of years back. Residents of Kumizhi-Chukkaliykkuni areas near Muthanga in Wayanad have raised the issue of homestays that have mushroomed in the area and the problems they face due to increased tourist movements but to no effect.
It is alleged that rave parties too are conducted in the locality.
At least 13 homestays have mushroomed in the locality over the years without any permit and a new one is also coming up close to tribal hamlets.
According to activists Chandrika of Chukkaliykkuni and Sheeba of Kumizhi, despite repeated complaints to the authorities concerned, no effective measures have been taken. They also alleged that the resort mafias are taking possession of the land from tribals at cheap rates.
Wayanad Prakrithi Samarakhsana Samathi president N Badusha alleged that when it comes to any regulations to protect the environment, all mainstream political parties and religious institutions stand united in opposing such measures.