PEECHI DAM(ned)
Faris Arakkal 


PEECHI DAM, once a favourite tourist hub of the district, is withering fast to oblivion. Lack of basic facilities and increasing number of anti-social activities are now keeping the tourists at bay.

There is no security guard to help the tourists, if needed, and the existing police aid post has been dysfunctional since many days.
This opened up the area for anti-social elements who can walk in after buying a Rs 10 entry ticket. They go into the thickets looking for small hideouts to drink and enjoy.
Absence of police and security guards goad them into do things openly and there are allegations that these anti-social elements use bawdy words and expressions on visiting families.
The areas surrounding the watch tower are extensively used by these anti-socials. Some of them, said to be lovers, indulge in open display of their affection and this is resented by visiting families.
The lone boat meant for use by tourists rests on land, covered with a plastic sheet. Tourists who come dreaming of a boat ride have to continue doing just that: dream.
There is also no provision to meet the basic needs of tourists. A rest room built by District Tourism Council has not yet been opened for use. Women visitors have a hard time.
With warning boards almost rusted, photography is not a matter of concern. That is not a bad thing considering that it is a tourist spot. The staff members do not show up to look after the needs of tourists.
The place also lacks a good restaurant. The only canteen at the entrance has been closed and tourists have to depend on nearby shacks and make do with whatever is available.
When other tourist centres are mended well by the authorities, Peechi suffers from negligence even though it is blessed with verdant hills and meadows and a beautiful water body. Still, it is patronised by hundreds of tourists who love nature.