Tourist rush threatens Malampuzha water source, warns PROUD

The People Responsible Organisation for Urban Development (PROUD), a community and social development organisation based in Palakkad, has sought action against the unregulated entry of tourists into the Malampuzha dam catchment area, alleging that vehicles are being driven into restricted areas and waste is being dumped there.

The organisation submitted a complaint to Malampuzha Police station house officer P.R. Rahman, pointing out that the reservoir was a major source of drinking water for Palakkad municipality and several nearby panchayats.

PROUD member and Malampuzha conservationist Saji Joseph said increasing tourist activity was putting the drinking-water source at risk. Visitors were reportedly entering the catchment area with food and liquor and leaving behind plastic, food waste and broken bottles.

“Are we waiting for a drinking-water crisis before we realise what we are doing to Malampuzha?” Mr. Joseph asked.

Vehicles parked in a row in the Malampuzha catchment area.