Is DMCs' apathy hurting tourism at Boothathankettu and Thattekad?
Despite paying the fee for an year in advance, the authorities have not given boat owners the permission to start services.
Despite paying the fee for an year in advance, the authorities have not given boat owners the permission to start services.
Despite paying the fee for an year in advance, the authorities have not given boat owners the permission to start services.
Kothamangalam: The apathy of authorities are hurting the tourism prospects of Bhoothathankettu reservoir. The shutters of the Bhoothathankettu dam was lowered on December 30, helping the water to reach maximum level. Despite this, the permission to start the boat service has not been issued.
In Bhoothathankettu and Thattekad, a total of nine boats are conducting services; licenses for which were issued on rates between Rs 3,000 and Rs 25,000. The authorities have rejected the application for seven more new licenses limiting the operations to the existing boats.
According to sources, it is not technical barriers stopping the nine boats, which have the license to operate for a year to conduct services. The services have been withheld due to intervention by the Destination Management Councils (DMCs).
The proximity to Munnar and the increase in popularity of ecotourism spots have increased tourist footfall at Bhoothathanketty and Thattekad. However, it has not benefited those who have bought the license for boat services.