The Tourism Department authorities are yet to come up with fresh safety arrangements for sightseers at Kariyathanpara, an ecotourism spot near Kakkayam in Kozhikode district where about 10 persons drowned over the last one year. The most dangerous spot in the river, where a youngster lost his life while swimming on Saturday, still remains open, making it accessible for people unaware of the risk.

“There is only one dangerous spot in the area, which poses a threat to the lives of tourists and it can be addressed easily by erecting a suitable protective fence around the field or appointing security guards. The initiative should first come from the district administration or the local panchayat,” says P. Baby, a trader in the area.

The tourists who come to the spot never pay attention to the cautionary boards erected in the area or warnings by locals. The majority are unaware of the previous incidents of drowning at the spot or just ignore warnings, adds Mr. Baby.

Local residents say the deepest stretch in the river, mostly frequented by adventurous trekkers on their way to the Kakkayam ecotourism centre, is very difficult to manage even for seasoned swimmers. If trapped, they say, it is quite difficult to swim back to safety or to be rescued by another swimmer in the absence of proper rescue facilities. Considering the risk, the local people too may be reluctant to respond quickly in case of an accident.

Some parents too have been found to be careless, allowing their children to swim in the unsafe area. Most tragedies take place during group tours when safety guidelines are thrown to the wind. There have been increasing attempts to camp in the spot after consuming alcohol and drugs, in the absence of local security arrangements or police surveillance in the area.

Management rights

The Tourism Department and local panchayat authorities say they are unable to take action as the area is totally under the control of the Department of Water Resources.

Without handing over the property ownership or its management rights solely to the Tourism Department or the local body concerned, it will be difficult to consider any development work in the area, they add.