KOZHIKODE: The Forest Department has decided to close down a tourism ticket counter at Kakkayam in Koorachundu panchayat following protests by residents.
Divisional Forest Officer K.K. Sunil Kumar, who issued the order close on the heels of a directive from the Ministry of Tourism on Monday, said a ticket station would be opened at another convenient location close to the eco-tourism centre for temporarily regulating visitors’ entry.
“For around two months, residents had been protesting against the counter, alleging that it had been restricting their movement. We would be able to find out another convenient location and set up a permanent counter in two months,” said Mr. Sunil Kumar.
Meanwhile, leaders of the local action committee of residents said they opposed the project as the Forest Department did not take into account their concerns while opening the ticket counter in a residential area.
