Congress hartal against pathetic condition of roads in Vattavada disrupts normal life

Congress workers block roads in Vattavada town on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Congress in Vattavada, a popular tourist destination near Munnar, on Tuesday in protest against the pathetic condition of roads in the village disrupted normal life.

Tourist movement on the Munnar-Vattavada route was disrupted.

“Many resorts and homestays function in Vattavada, and hundreds of tourists visit the destination. But the condition of roads in Vattavada is pathetic,” said K. Jayaprakash, a resident of Vattavada. It was in 2010 that road repairs were last taken up. The roads under the Public Works department (PWD) and local body in Vattavada were fully damaged. But neither the panchayat nor the PWD had taken any steps to repair them, he said.

He said the roads connecting Vattavada to Koviloor-Chilanthiyar, Chilanthiyar-Pazhathottam, and Pazhathottam-Kottakkamboor were all damaged.

Breath-taking destination

According to tourism stakeholders, Vattavada is a breath-taking destination known for its lush landscapes, terraced farms, and cool climate. A four-hour jeep ride around this scenic paradise is undoubtedly an adventure, offering mesmerising views of sprawling vegetable farms, mist-clad mountains, and charming villages untouched by commercialisation. The journey takes one through winding roads, dense forests, and remote hamlets, making it a dream for nature lovers and photographers. “The roads leading to and within Vattavada are narrow, broken, and riddled with potholes, making the ride extremely bumpy. As the jeep jolts over uneven terrain, passengers are tossed around, straining their backs. The parched and dusty paths create a suffocating atmosphere, making it difficult to breathe, especially for those sensitive to dust. By the end of the trip, exhaustion replaces excitement, and many travellers find themselves in dire need of rest. Despite the physical strain, the experience remains unforgettable,” said Nayanathara N.G., a tourist who visited the hill station recently.

Congress workers took out a protest march in Vattavada town on the day. Former Devikulam MLA A.K. Mani inaugurated protest meeting at Vattavada in the evening.