Safety audit in water tourism

Once, for Malayalis, travel mostly meant short trips- south to Kovalam or north to Malampuzha. But times have changed. Travel has become a part of life, tourism has taken on new meaning, and in “God’s Own Country,” new destinations continue to emerge. Domestic tourism now plays a major role in the state’s tourism revenue. With the rise of water tourism, Kerala’s rivers, lakes, canals, and dams have become key attractions- and boats have turned into the stars of leisure travel. There are now over 3,500 tourist boats operating in various destinations across the state. Unfortunately, these boats often make news only when accidents occur.

When it comes to traditional tourist destinations, improving infrastructure and ensuring safety are relatively straightforward tasks. But for water-based tourism, safety is far more important. The dangers are not just about the boats themselves- the underwater obstacles, tree roots, and sandbanks along the routes also pose serious risks. Unlike on land, accidents here can happen suddenly and may go unnoticed until it’s too late. A recent incident at Kovalam- Kerala’s most popular beach destination- highlighted this risk. A tourist boat hit a sandbank, but timely action by lifeguards prevented a major tragedy.

Many of Kerala’s water tourism spots are new and have become busy even before proper safety systems were put in place. Old and unlicensed boats are still common in several areas. The Kerala Maritime Board handles registration for tourist boats like speedboats, houseboats, and shikaras after safety inspections. However, even registered and well-maintained boats face danger from sediment buildup and sandbanks in the waterways. The Maritime Board’s responsibility ends with the fitness of the boats; maintaining safe water routes is not under its purview.

Various agencies- the Tourism Department, District Tourism Promotion Councils, local tourism development committees, and local bodies- are responsible for providing facilities and ensuring the safety of travellers. It is essential to clearly assign the responsibility for clearing navigation routes and decide how to manage the cost of dredging and maintenance. Above all, the guiding principle must be that traveller safety comes first. The state’s Tourism Department, which has done commendable work in developing tourism, should now conduct a safety audit of all water tourism spots and take immediate corrective action wherever needed. There should be no room for even the slightest concern — Kerala’s tourism destinations must remain places where safety and serenity go hand in hand.