Growing concern over the increasing presence of tourists in the catchment area of the Malampuzha reservoir has prompted complaints seeking restrictions on vehicular traffic and tourist movement in the area.
| Photo Credit: K.K. Mustafah
The People Responsible Organisation for Urban Development (PROUD), a community and social development organisation based in Palakkad, has sought action against the unregulated entry of tourists into the Malampuzha dam catchment area, alleging that vehicles are being driven into restricted areas and waste is being dumped there.
The organisation submitted a complaint to Malampuzha Police station house officer P.R. Rahman, pointing out that the reservoir was a major source of drinking water for Palakkad municipality and several nearby panchayats.
PROUD member and Malampuzha conservationist Saji Joseph said increasing tourist activity was putting the drinking-water source at risk. Visitors were reportedly entering the catchment area with food and liquor and leaving behind plastic, food waste and broken bottles.
“Are we waiting for a drinking-water crisis before we realise what we are doing to Malampuzha?” Mr. Joseph asked.
Vehicles parked in a row in the Malampuzha catchment area.
He said broken glass scattered in the area was particularly difficult and dangerous to remove. The ongoing renovation of the Malampuzha Garden might also be driving more visitors towards the catchment area, he said.
PROUD called for stricter surveillance and coordinated inspections by the police, Forest department, Irrigation department and local civic authorities to prevent trespassing and waste dumping. The organisation said it would consider a public protest if immediate action was not taken.
PROUD chairman Nikhil Kodiyathur and members Dhanesh Padmanabhan and Ramesh accompanied Mr. Joseph.
Published – September 21, 2026 08:32 pm IST
