Tourism pressure threatens Kerala’s fragile Madayipara
Influx of visitors to an amusement-cum-eco park in the vicinity is posing harm to the rare flora, birds and other wildlife in the region, according to environmentalists, who reiterate that the park is functioning without mandatory permissions. Madayi panchayat authorities too say that licence has not been issued to the park
Kerala’s Madayipara, a biologically rich and ecologically significant laterite landscape in Kannur district, faces mounting pressure from unregulated tourism. Environmentalists warn that the influx of visitors' vehicles, artificial lighting, and waste is damaging the fragile ecosystem. The Madayipara Samarakshan Samiti, dedicated to preserving the environment, is intensifying protests against an amusement-cum-eco park opened on July 31.
The Samiti alleges the park operates without necessary permissions, including a trade licence from the Madayi grama panchayat. They seek immediate intervention from the District Collector and demand the panchayat halt park activities. The 3.65-sq km plateau supports a vast array of biodiversity, including 670 flowering plant species, 258 bird species, 14 threatened plant species, 24 mammals, 32 reptiles, 20 amphibians, 158 butterfly species, and 51 dragonflies/damselflies.
Zoologist Muhamed Jafer Palot, part of the conservation campaign, expresses concern over the plateau's inability to handle the uncontrolled influx of visitors. Conservation activists are exploring legal and administrative measures, including requesting conservation reserve status for the plateau.
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