Thiruvananthapuram: The boat accident in Tanur two days back that claimed 22 lives has come as a huge setback and embarrassment for the tourism sector of Kerala, which is reviving after the Covid pandemic. It shows that the state tourism department, which is trying to showcase Kerala before other states and abroad, does not pay heed to the safety of the tourists.
Safety is a concern: Although minor disasters are frequent, safety checks are not conducted properly in water tourism. The last major accident before Tanur was the Thekkady boat accident on September 30, 2009, which claimed 46 lives. Most of the deceased were from other states or foreign countries. However, the situation has not changed much. Vessels that are used by the tourism industry continue to ply without proper and regular fitness and safety checks.
Kerala is a traveller's paradise: Kerala's water tourism sector is rich with 44 rivers and 34 backwaters while beach tourism includes Kovalam, Varkala, Alappuzha, Cherayi, Kochi, Vadanapally, Ponnani, Kozhikode, Muzhupilangad, Payyambalam, Kannur and Bekal. The Tanur boat disaster is a warning to take necessary measures for water tourism in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
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Thousands of foreign and domestic tourists rely on vessels to enjoy the beauty of the sea and backwaters of Kerala every day. Along with this, the small water tourism centers are also attracting tourists at the local level. Hundreds of houseboats operate in Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. The Tanur boat accident has raised the necessity of having proper safety checks here, tourists said.
