Enjoying boating ride at Thekkady, Kerala is absolute pleasure because of surrounded green nature, calm atmosphere and many more things, but you will not enjoy the ride soon for some time. After it has been found that water level at Mullaperiyar Dam has reached 109.3 ft., authorities have decided to hold on boating for few coming months. The big boat of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) has by now annulled service and the low-capacity boats are as well to be deferred if the water-level is dropping more. The KTDC boat conveying 125 persons was piloting services after dropping the capacity to half.

Though last year as well boating was put on hold in October when water level reached below 109.5ft.  but it was soon resumed when it touched the 111ft. after the rain in the forest. It is to be noted that Mullaperiyar Dam has the dead storage level of 108ft., post which Tamil Nadu cannot pull water from the reservoir.

As per the government officials and records of Tamil Nadu Public Works Department, Tamil Nadu drew 225 cubic feet per second whereas the influx was 34 cubic feet per second. The state was at present extracting water for drinking purpose only. Also another report from Periyar Tiger Reserve states about small boats of the KTDC and the boats possessed by the Forest Department with a volume of 60-65 people sustained services.

For the earlier three seasons, the deepest water level was above 110ft. The deepest water level of the season is generally noted in June and July months. The waterway by which the boats travelled would change in compliance with the reservoir level.

Footfall of tourists, including non-nationals, to Thekkady increases in vacations aka summer season. Those who visit Munnar also visit to Thekkady. Hence, if you are planning to visit Thekkady in next few months, plan your trip keeping in mind that Boating is on hold.