‘Tourism’ at Landslide-Hit Villages Banned by Wayanad Dist Adm After Rise in Visitors

Wayanad: Unauthorized visits to the landslide-affected areas for ‘holocaust tourism’ purpose has been banned by the Wayanad district administration in Kerala. In recent days there was an unexpected rise in the number of visitors to the landslide hit areas from Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The number of visitors increased in the landslide-affected Chooralmala and Mundakkai after relaxation in search operations.

The forest department has also stopped visitors from going to the scenic Soojipara waterfalls. The Kerala forest department has increased patrolling in Punchirimattom in upper Mundakkai and Attamala.

Theft from abandoned houses is another reason the administration has stopped unauthorised visitors.

The police have intensified night patrol in the areas because of the recurring instances of theft.

At least three major landslides swept away Mundakkai and Chooralmala in the wee hours of July 30. More than 400 humans, several cattle and pets were killed.