The presence of illegal houseboats continues to be a pressing concern in Alappuzha district, known for its popular backwater tourism.

Many unlicensed houseboats freely navigate the backwaters in Alappuzha, often using registration numbers from other districts to evade local regulations. 
 
Despite facing action from the Port Department, these boats return to conduct service due to the lack of strict penalties and legal actions. 

Additionally, speedboats operate around Punnamada backwaters without proper documentation, with some owners alleging inaction by the Port Department and tourism police against these illegally operated boats. 

Meanwhile, some houseboat owners question the fate of those houseboats impounded by the authorities, alleging that inspections are mere formalities. They claim that boats seized by authorities often return to service shortly afterwards, they say. Furthermore, there are allegations that old fishing boats are frequently being converted into houseboats.

Boat owners' associations have called for stringent measures, including the destruction of boats found using falsified registration numbers. Despite widespread awareness and complaints to government authorities, little action has been taken to curb the use of illegal houseboats manufactured in Aryad, Punnamada, and Pulinkunnu.