The number of visitors to Valparai is up this season, as it is summer and vacation time. One cannot miss the picturesque view of the water spread of Aliyar dam from the 9th hairpin bend.
The view point has an elevated platform from the road with about half a dozen steps. One can find people taking pictures of the dam and from the view point (also known as suicide point) at the 9th hairpin bend. Some take the risk of standing near the edge of the platform to take a selfie with the dam’s background.
But, a sizeable portion of the parapet wall is missing and a portion of the elevated platform has also caved in. A careless step could harm the person and there is not even a caution board asking tourists to avoid that place.
M. Manivarman from Erode, who had come with his family, said the dam could be viewed from some of the other hairpin bends on the way to Valparai. “But, the view is at its best from here (9th hairpin bend). The authorities should put a temporary fence near the portion without the wall or close it for the public till repair works are carried out and make the beautiful place safe for tourists,” he added.
Valparai Municipal Commissioner (in-charge) D. Rajagopal said that they could not carry out repair works on the view point as it was maintained by the State Highways Department.
