Madurai: Kerala is increasingly turning its dams and rivers into steady tourism revenue by expanding boating and water-sports activities, while maintaining strict environmental safeguards, according to observers.
Kerala’s backwaters and river stretches host a range of services—from paddle boats and shikara rides to houseboats—supporting local livelihoods. The system is described as tightly regulated, with permissions based on river conditions, safe operating limits for the number of boats, and water-flow patterns, alongside strong cleanliness standards.
In Tamil Nadu, water-sports activity has recently been permitted in Ramanathapuram district along the coast. The state had earlier operated boating at Mullaperiyar dam, but similar initiatives have not taken off at several reservoirs.
The Vaigai dam, despite being in place for about 65 years, has not introduced boating, even though the reservoir holds water for much of the year, reducing concerns about availability. The report suggests the Water Resources Department, Forest Department and Tourism Department jointly study the feasibility of boating and allied activities.
It also points to Kerala’s Malampuzha dam, where a rope car operates at a height of around 60 feet, as a model that could be explored near Vaigai dam, which already has a nearby park and scenic surroundings. Supporters argue that regulated boating, waterfall bathing spots and water sports could help drive local economic growth if implemented responsibly.
