Kerala tourism dept backs out of Malabar River Festival

KOZHIKODE: The fourth edition of Malabar River Festival, scheduled to be held from July 29 -31 at Thusharagiri will not happen following the withdrawal of Tourism department.

The District administration’s and DTPC’s non-cooperation led the Tourism department to take the decision. The fest conduct was already marred by the fight between the District Collector and the Chennai-based coordinating agency Madras Fun Tools over the disbursal of last edition’s prize money. 

Thiruvambadi MLA George M Thomas, who was keen in making the fest happen also backed out after Congress leader and Kerala Kayaking Academy Chairman V.D Joseph’s comments criticizing Collector.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Tourism Principal Secretary Dr V. Venu said that the department is not keen in co-operating with the fest which has no backup from DTPC.

“We are not aware of the things happening there. If the DTPC endorse it, we will support, otherwise we don’t have to do it. Ours is an arm’s length approach in this case,” he said.

Recently the Thirumvabadi MLA held a meeting with Collector N Prasanth to end the deadlock over the issue. Though the Collector agreed to co-operate in principle with the demand that Madras Fun Tools should be kept aside alleging them of evading taxes from previous year’s prize money, the private firm sent press release declaring to conduct the fest themselves. The Collector has ordered enquiry in the allegations and also sent letter to Tourism Secretary to blacklist Madras Fun Tools.

MLA George M Thomas said that few private organizers cannot conduct the championship. “Next year we will conduct the MRF with the help of Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association and with wider participation and support,” he said.