Domestic tourists, along with local farm tourism entrepreneurs and shop owners from Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts, have expressed significant safety concerns regarding the Kuttiyadi Pass. This scenic route, which serves as an alternative to the Thamarassery ghat road, is reportedly experiencing an increase in unlawful activities, including alleged drug hotspots and incidents of theft and confrontation involving motorists.
Local business stakeholders attribute these issues to a perceived lack of effective night patrols and allege that their long-standing demand for a police outpost has not been addressed. They also criticize grama panchayat, Tourism department, and Forest department officials for perceived inaction on public complaints and illegal entries into restricted forest areas. Delays in installing and maintaining adequate street lighting are also cited as a contributing factor.
In response to the rising number of public complaints, police sources have stated that night patrols will be intensified. They also confirmed that flash inspections are ongoing along the mountain pass as part of enhanced surveillance efforts against drug trafficking.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/tourists-raise-safety-concerns-over-rising-anti-social-activities-on-kuttiyadi-pass/article70314188.ece