Flood dampener for Courtallam tourists as bathing in falls prohibited

Though the cool and breezy weather prevailing in the region in recent days has been conducive for tourism, paving the way for more visitor arrivals after the end of the season in Kodaikanal, they could hardly revel in bathing in the waterfalls.

Authorities have prohibited tourists from bathing in the falls after the Main Falls, Old Falls and Five Falls witnessed intense flooding in the wake of heavy rain.

Unlike the previous year, the tourism season picked up early in June this year and the arrival of tourists has been encouraging.

The early onset of the Southwest monsoon had triggered a considerable amount of rainfall.

However, the tourists could only remain spectators to the gushing sound of the water in the falls.

During rapid water flow, its velocity could push stones down the waterfalls and it could prove dangerous to the revellers. Hence, they have been prohibited from approaching the waterfalls as a precautionary measure, sources from the Department of Tourism told DT Next on Sunday.

S Jones, a seasoned holidaymaker, along with his family from Nagercoil, came to Courtallam for attractions including pleasure boating, but the rain has affected his plans.

Sources from the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, which runs the boathouse having a fleet of 34 pleasure boats, said there was an overwhelming response to boating a week ago.

The season would last until August and with water level rising up to 13 feet, plans were under way to induct steamer boats, if there was not much rainfall.

Further, sources said a proposal for creating tourism-friendly infrastructure at an estimated cost of Rs 5.45 crore has been sent to the Centre.