Most adventure tourism firms in Idukki functioning without a local body licence

An order issued by Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt states that most adventure tourism firms in the district are operating without proper local body licenses. According to the order, data collection at the local body level revealed that 25 adventure tourism activities — including ziplining, kayaking, paragliding, swing chairs, tire walks, pedal boats, paracycling, hot air balloons, glass bridges, and sky dining — are functioning in the district, though many lack valid local body permits.

The Collector noted that this data was compiled following an incident on November 28, 2025, in which a four-member family and a staff member were trapped in a sky-dining restaurant at Anachal, near Munnar.

In response, the Collector has formed a seven-member expert team to inspect all adventure activity firms in the district and submit a detailed report. The panel includes the Deputy Collector of the Disaster Management Authority; the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (Buildings), Idukki; the Hazard Analyst, Idukki; the District DM Plan Coordinator; the Deputy Director of Tourism; the Secretary of the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC); and Bijoy U.R., Assistant Professor of the Mechanical Wing at the Government Engineering College, Idukki.

The order further stated that concerned authorities must assist the team during these inspections. Based on the expert panel’s findings, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will convene to decide the future of these firms’ operations.

Meanwhile, sources noted that while many firms have obtained a Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) license, they still lack the necessary local body permits. “It is a reality that many firms function without a local body license, even if they hold KATPS certification,” a source said. “Additionally, new adventure activities are established daily without proper guidelines. The reality is that there are no guidelines issued for such firms. It is essential to ensure a security check before these firms begin operations.”

Officials have welcomed the move, noting that the inspections will identify unlicensed firms and allow for corrective action. A Tourism department official added that adventure tourism is a primary draw for the district. “Since the installation of the glass bridge at Wagamon hill station, tourism prospects have totally changed, and it has emerged as one of the major destinations in the district,” the official said.