Rampant tourism actions have an effect on forest dwellers

The recent moves by the Kerala government to introduce guidelines for tenting tourism have raised concerns among environmentalists as they fear it could be a move to legalize illegal tourism activities in core forest areas under the guise of adventure or ecotourism.

Such activities are also of serious concern to the Wayanad tribal communities.

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In fact, a few years ago a tribal woman died under suspicious circumstances. However, residents of the Kumizhi Chukkaliykkuni areas near Muthanga in Wayanad have addressed the problem of host families skyrocketing in the area and the problems they are facing due to increased tourist movements, but without effect.

It is believed that rave parties are also held on site.

At least 13 host families have turned up in the area without permission over the years, and a new one is also coming near tribal villages.

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According to activists Chandrika from Chukkaliykkuni and Sheeba from Kumizhi, no effective action has been taken despite repeated complaints to the authorities concerned. They also claimed that the resort mafias are taking possession of the land from tribesmen at low prices.

Wayanad Prakrithi Samarakhsana Samathi President N Badusha claimed that all major political parties and religious institutions are united when it comes to regulations to protect the environment.