Munnar to set up green check posts; Entry fee for tourist vehicles from August

Marayoor: Green check posts are being introduced in Munnar, one of Kerala’s major tourist destinations, to curb plastic waste. An entry fee will be collected at these check posts from tourist vehicles entering the Munnar region to support the processing of plastic and other waste.

For tourists arriving from the Adimali side, the green check post will be set up at Old Munnar Headworks. Check posts are also planned at Chattamunnar on the Marayoor route and at Signal Point or the toll gate on the Chinnakanal route. A meeting of the panchayat governing body held on Wednesday entrusted the president and secretary with holding discussions with the district collector, National Highway authorities, and Public Works Department officials regarding the legal feasibility of the project. The panchayat aims to implement the scheme by August.

Green Initiative

One of the major issues faced by Munnar is waste dumping and its collection and disposal. Tourists visiting the region are considered the primary source of the waste. Panchayat president S. Vijayakumar said the entry fee is intended to raise funds for paying workers engaged in waste collection and processing, as well as other related expenses. Along with the fee, tourists will also be provided bags for waste collection at an additional charge. Segregated waste can be handed over at the check posts during the return journey.

Move to Ease Traffic Congestion

Tourists visiting Munnar often face severe traffic congestion. Authorities are planning to restrict large vehicles from entering tourist destinations in the Munnar region. Illegal roadside parking is cited as the main reason for traffic blocks. From August onwards, large vehicles will not be allowed into tourist spots. Visitors arriving in such vehicles will be provided prepaid taxi services operated under the leadership of the Munnar and Devikulam panchayats. The project is also aimed at generating income opportunities for local residents.

The restrictions will apply to tourists visiting destinations such as Lakshmi, Rajamala, Lakkam, and Mattupetty.

Heavy vehicles travelling towards Marayoor and Vattavada will face fines if parked at these tourist centres.