Curbs take a toll as Munnar's pain is Kunjithanni's gain

WHEN the Munnar Mission launched by the V S Achuthanandan government in 2007 and the subsequent High Court order restricting construction activities in seven villages in Idukki took a toll on tourism in Munnar, settler farmers in the nearby village of Kunjithanni, under Vellathooval panchayat, never in their wildest dreams thought that their neighbourhood's misfortune would turn into an opportunity for them.

- NEJMA SULAIMAN @Idukki

In 2010, the court imposed restrictions in Kanan Devan Hills village, Bisonvalley, Chinnakanal, Santhanpara, Vellathooval, Anaviratty, and Pallivasal.

Excluding Kunjithanni from the list resulted in resorts and homestays mushrooming in Anachal (ward 5), Eetticity (ward 6), Kunjithanni (7), Muthuvankudy (9), and Thokkupara (4) areas of the panchayat because of their proximity to Munnar and nearby tourism locations such as Chenkulam and Chithirapuram. Investors like Tata opening a 'scenic' Taj-affiliated hotel in Eetticity, apart from other five-star properties such as Fog and Vibe, consequently increased the land value in the area, marking Kunjithanni as new ground for the tourism industry.