Tourism stakeholders expect smooth and violence-free tourism in the Munnar hill station following a proposal for a new tourism police station in the area. During his visit to Munnar on Saturday (May 30), Minister for Tourism and Culture P.C. Vishnunadh said that amid a rising number of attacks against tourists, a dedicated police station is urgently needed to address security issues.

“I will discuss the proposal with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to take the next steps. To address safety concerns, a coordinated group consisting of border police stations and District Collectors will be formed to conduct routine monitoring,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, local body authorities and tourism stakeholders welcomed the move to set up the tourism police station in Munnar. Munnar panchayat president S. Vijayakumar welcomed the proposal and noted that the tourism police station will help ensure a smooth and violence-free tourism atmosphere in the hill station.

Mr. Vijayakumar further said that during his visit, the Minister announced a training programme for tourist guides in Munnar, which the Munnar and Devikulam panchayats will jointly conduct. “In addition, the Minister also proposed a prepaid system for taxis in the Munnar hill station, and we will go ahead with the proposal,” he added.

Lack of parking space

Mr. Vishnunadh emphasised that the State government is committed to ensuring safe tourism in Munnar. He noted that the most critical challenge facing the local tourism sector is the lack of proper parking.

“The Tourism department will resolve the parking crisis by utilising available land in the hill station,” the Minister said.

Additionally, the Tourism department plans to install high-tech toilet facilities across the hill station. This initiative will be executed with the support of local self-government bodies.

“Our department will also ensure proper waste management in the region. Since road development remains a major issue in Munnar, we will hold talks with the Tata Group to secure the necessary land and move the project forward,” said the Minister.

According to tourism stakeholders, attacks against tourists and hours-long traffic jams are major issues in Munnar. Following an increase in attacks against tourists, social media campaigns have been highlighting safety concerns in the hill station.

“We welcome the suggestions raised by the Tourism Minister. Once a tourism police station is set up in Munnar, tourists can easily approach the tourism police, which will ensure their security,” said a tourism industry stakeholder.