As October’s mild breezes sweep through the rolling tea estates of Munnar, the hill station in Kerala’s Idukki district is gearing up for its peak season. With daytime temperatures around 22°C and post-monsoon clarity highlighting its mist-covered vistas, Munnar is seeing unprecedented visitor numbers. Yet, beneath the scenic allure lies a growing concern: a tourism surge threatening the ecosystems of this UNESCO World Heritage site in the Western Ghats.
State tourism officials estimate that domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala will surpass 3 crore this year, with Munnar a top draw. The influx supports thousands of jobs in hospitality and guiding services, bolstering local economies. However, conservationists warn that uncontrolled growth risks environmental degradation, including landslides and habitat loss, worsened by unpredictable weather patterns.
A Push for Responsible Tourism
To counter these challenges, the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission announced in July that Munnar will be designated an International Responsible Tourism Destination by December 2025. The initiative, backed by a ₹50 lakh budget and collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, focuses on net-zero carbon practices, plastic bans, and community engagement. Measures include electric shuttle services, waste audits at major estates, and training programs for women in eco-guiding roles, alongside restrictions on vehicle access in sensitive areas like Eravikulam National Park.
“This isn’t just a label,” said Mission Director S. Vinod. “It’s about preserving Munnar for its 1.5 lakh residents while reducing tourism’s ecological impact.” While larger operators have adopted these measures, smaller businesses struggle with compliance.
Local perspectives are mixed. Plantation workers in the Kannan Devan Hills, many from migrant communities, note improved sanitation but highlight water shortages during peak seasons. “Tourists bring income, but they strain our resources,” said Mariamma, a 52-year-old tea plucker who has lived in Munnar for 30 years.
Infrastructure vs. Ecology: The Road Revival Debate
A controversial proposal to revive the century-old Aluva-Munnar Road, unused since the 1924 floods, has sparked debate. The 120-km route through pristine forests could shorten the Kochi-Munnar drive by 20 km, easing highway congestion. Tourism lobbies, including hotel associations, argue it would improve emergency access and attract off-season visitors.
However, environmentalists oppose the plan, citing risks to the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, home to species like the Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque. Ecologist Dr. Anoop Basu of the Kerala Forest Research Institute warns that the road could disrupt wildlife corridors, pointing to recent tiger sightings near Chittivara Estate as evidence of shifting habitats. “The Ghats are already under pressure from development,” Basu said. “This could trigger irreversible damage, like the 2024 Wayanad landslides.” The state government has delayed a decision pending an environmental impact assessment, due in November.
Wildlife and Weather: Signs of Strain
Munnar’s ecosystems face mounting pressures. Early 2025 saw sub-zero temperatures in Devikulam, frosting grasslands and drawing crowds that damaged vegetation with off-trail activity. The India Meteorological Department predicts a 40% chance of showers this week, raising landslide concerns in areas like Pallivasal. Past monsoons have closed key roads, stranding visitors and exposing infrastructure gaps.
Wildlife conflicts are also rising. Elephant herds near Mattupetty Dam have led to calls to cancel a proposed seaplane service from Kochi, which aimed to cut travel time to 25 minutes. Critics argue that noise pollution could disrupt migration patterns, and the trial remains on hold.
Balancing Act for the Future
Munnar remains vibrant, with trekkers climbing Anaimudi Peak and new double-decker bus tours navigating tea trails. Social media captures the buzz, from misty valley views to evolving local food stalls. Yet, as Kerala aims for a ₹50,000 crore tourism economy by 2030, stakeholders stress that growth must respect ecological limits. The December designation could set a model for sustainable tourism, but its success hinges on rigorous enforcement.
For this hill station, once a quiet colonial retreat, the road ahead is complex—requiring careful navigation by policymakers, visitors, and residents to preserve its natural legacy.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 4:31 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 4:31 pm | News Categories: News
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