Hot-air balloon operations banned at a tourism centre if Idukki
Order highlight 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.
Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvat has prohibited hot-air balloon operations at an adventure tourism centre, Cloud Deck, in Idukki due to safety concerns following a ballooning incident on August 31. The ban was imposed after a report was submitted by Devikulam Sub-Collector V. M. Arya, which revealed that a balloon operated by the centre had reportedly touched an electric power line.
The Collector emphasized that sudden changes in wind conditions could cause balloons to drift unexpectedly and collide with power lines, leading to serious risks such as electrocution and fires. To further ensure safety, the District Collector also imposed a ban on tourist entry to Thooval waterfalls near Nedumkandam in Udumbanchola taluk, urging due to recurring drowning incidents.
The recommendation for the ban was based on a report submitted by Udumbanchola tehsildar that highlighted a lack of safety infrastructure, such as warning signs, access control, and barriers to prevent accidents. Since the record of incidents, there have been over 13 drownings at Thooval waterfalls.
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