Thodupuzha: Off-road jeep safaris in Thodupuzha district are partially resuming with strict safety regulations in place, offering relief to thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on the tourism sector. These new guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of tourists and workers alike, and are modelled after the Kolukkumalai trekking system.

Jeep safaris form the backbone of the district's tourism industry. However, the sector has faced challenges recently, particularly following the tragic death of a tourist from Chennai when an off-road jeep overturned in Munnar. In addition, unfit vehicles were being used for safaris, prompting concerns over safety. In response, the district administration has introduced new criteria for conducting off-road trips in line with the safety standards of the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society.

Various departments will coordinate to ensure the safaris are as safe as possible. Jeep safaris in nine centres have resumed from the 16th of the month, with plans to extend this to other locations once the necessary safety measures are in place. On July 5th, the Collector had imposed a ban on off-road jeep safaris following the Munnar accident. The decision was met with protests from workers, trade unions, and political parties.

Key guidelines

Operating hours: Safaris will be allowed from 4 am to 6 pm.The schedule will vary depending on the nature of each trip. No safaris will take place during Red and Orange alerts. They will only resume after receiving permission from the District Disaster Management Authority.

Vehicle and driver approval: Only vehicles and drivers approved by the Route Committee will be permitted to conduct safaris. Vehicles without a valid fitness certificate or driver credentials will be strictly prohibited.

Tourist Insurance: All safari bookings will include tourist insurance. A portion of the ticket revenue will be allocated to the Driver Welfare Fund, which will be used to provide health and accident insurance for drivers.

Safety Standards: Strict action will be taken against those violating safety protocols. All vehicles must be equipped with safety features such as seat belts. Qualification criteria for drivers have also been established.

Vehicle and driver requirements:

-Approved driving licences with a minimum of three years' experience

-Medical fitness certificates

-Police clearance certificates

-Valid vehicle fitness certificates

-Insurance

-DTPC registration, with an ID card containing a QR code

Mandatory safety features: All vehicles must be equipped with:

-Seat belts for all passengers

-Fire extinguishers

-First-aid kits

-Speed governors

-Dash cams

-GPS trackers

Route monitoring and regulations

The Route Monitoring and Regulation Committee, led by the Idukki and Devikulam Sub-Collectors, will oversee safety arrangements and the designation of routes. Committee members include officials from the RTO, RTO Enforcement, SHO, Panchayat Secretary, and DTPC Secretary.

The committee will identify practical routes, classifying them as easy, relatively difficult, or difficult based on their terrain. Recommendations will be made regarding the type of jeep (2x2 or 4x4) to be used on each route. Data on vehicles, drivers, and passengers will also be collected to ensure comprehensive safety. Nine routes have already been identified.