Is Munnar ready for Kurinji season?

KOTTAYAM: Munnar will witness an unprecedented flow of tourists from August onwards  when Neelakurinji blooms after 12 years.  But the town is ill-equipped to handle the lakhs of people who will descend there and it is feared that the renowned tourist destination may face a nightmare due to lack of facilities.     The   National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC), which was commissioned by the state government to study the situation, has submitted a report to the district collector with the following recommendations.     Modernise the KSRTC bus stand to give the tourists adequate public transport services and amenities. Provide segregated path for vehicles and passengers. There should be a detailed parking management plan to take care of the additional parking demand during the Kurinji season.

Though the strengthening of police wireless network for traffic enforcement is suggested as a cost-effective measure, there are certain disadvantages like manual interference and communication disruptions. In this context, the use of advanced technological applications for linking  district administration,  traffic police wardens and tourists is advised. Install CCTV cameras at strategic locations within the town and at tourist spots and parking space for surveillance purposes. The number of vacant parking lots should be electronically displayed at the entrance of all demarcated public parking lots. This should be displayed at the main entry points of the town so that an alert can be given to the road users through variable message sign boards.

A Neelakurinji  app can be developed which gives details about various tourist destinations in and around Munnar and related facilities such as parking, chain service, IPT modes, and other facilities. The variable message systems can be set up at strategic locations to give information to the general public. The Neelakurinji app can have a separate login for the enforcement officials to help them register a traffic offence on the spot and give receipt.

Rearrange a slew of facilities, including the enforcement of queues.  The tickets for entering the park should be given 15 minutes prior to the reporting time. Strengthen public transport services in the town by introducing link services from the parking lots to the desired destinations.    Strengthen   the roads by rectifying the inadequacies. Mr S.  Shaheem, the head of the traffic and transportation division of NATPAC, told DC that the recommendations  have to be implemented on a short-term and long-term basis.  The NATPAC officials said that a master plan should be prepared to restructure  Munnar town on a long-term basis. According to sources from the Idukki district administration, some more suggestions will be incorporated into the NATPAC recommendations.