Nelliyampathy, Ponmudi closed for tourists; district collector issues order

PALAKKAD: The district collector has issued an order banning tourists from entering Nelliyampathy Hill station from July 7th to 9th. The rule has been issued in concordance with the Disaster Management Act, of 2005.

Palakkad is experiencing non-stop rain for two days straight. IMD even predicted more rain in the district but with lesser intensity. However, the disaster management presaged landslides and other havoc in the district which forced the authorities to jump into action. There were also reported cases of trees uprooted due to heavy wind and rains combined in the district.

Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram's Ponmudi, the authorities banned tourist entry after the hilltop got enveloped in fog allowing only little visibility. Ponmudi is also receiving big rains which has brought the place to its lowest ever recorded temperature. DFO K I Pradeep said the tourists would be allowed once the situation comes favorable. Ponmudi is replete with steep hairpins and the fog settling on the hilltop can invite tragedies for drivers reaching the spot.