Hot-air balloon operations banned at a tourism centre if Idukki
Idukki district authorities have banned hot-air balloon operations at a tourism site following a safety incident involving power lines. Additionally, entry to the Thooval waterfalls has been prohibited due to a history of drowning incidents and a lack of safety infrastructure.
Why it matters
These bans highlight the tension between promoting adventure tourism and ensuring public safety in regions with inadequate infrastructure.
Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvat has banned hot-air balloon operations at an adventure tourism centre in Idukki over safety concerns after a balloon reportedly touched an electric power line on August 31.
According to officials, the ban applies to operations at Cloud Deck, an adventure tourism facility operating at Thattathimukku near Pallivasal in Munnar. The action was taken following a report submitted by Devikulam Sub-Collector V. M. Arya.
In the order, the Collector noted that an inquiry conducted by the Sub-Collector revealed a hot-air balloon operated by the centre had come into contact with an electric power line on August 31. The order highlighted that sudden fluctuations in wind speed and direction could cause balloons to drift off course and strike power lines, posing severe risks including electrocution and fire accidents.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in