Kerala Police Warned Against Dark Tourism In Wayanad
Kerala’s Wayanad is coping with one of the most devastating landslides of recent times. As per the latest reports, the death toll rose to at least 276, while relief and rescue operations are underway.
Kerala, celebrated as God’s Own Country has always been one of the top tourist destination. But in response to the tragedy, Kerala Police have urged the public to avoid visiting the area, warning against “dark tourism” which could impede rescue efforts in Wayanad.
Also Read | Day 3 Of Wayanad Rescue Operations: Death Toll Rises To 276
“Please don’t go to disaster areas for sightseeing. It will affect rescue operations. Call 112 for assistance,” Police issued warning in a post on X.
ദയവായി കാഴ്ചകൾ കാണാൻ ദുരന്ത പ്രദേശങ്ങളിലേക്ക് പോകരുത്🙏🏻
അത് രക്ഷാപ്രവർത്തനത്തെ ബാധിക്കുംസഹായങ്ങൾക്ക് 112 എന്ന നമ്പറിൽ വിളിക്കാം #keralapolice pic.twitter.com/D6irnQICNJ
— Kerala Police (@TheKeralaPolice) July 30, 2024
Dark Tourism
Dark Tourism is a type of tourism that gained significant attention in the recent years. It involves activities of people traveling and visiting places that are identified with tragedy, suffering and disaster. The historical importance also attract tourists to these morbid landmarks.
The term dark tourism was coined in 1996 by J. John Lennon and Malcolm Foley. It is also called as black tourism, thanatourism, or grief tourism.
Some of the Dark tourist destinations include the Auschwitz camp in Poland, the 9/11 Memorial in the US, Chernobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine, and the Killing Fields in Cambodia.
Also Read | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Visit Landslide-Struck Wayanad
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached Wayanad this morning. He reached Civil Station in Kalpetta, accompanied by chief secretary V. Venu and DGP Shiekh Darvesh Sahib. Following the all-party meeting, Chief Minister will also conduct a high-level meeting with officials to review the situation. Later in the day, he is planning to visit Chooralmala and Mundakkai, where rescue operations are progressing.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi visited landslide struck areas of Chooralmala in Wayanad on Thursday afternoon. Congress General Secretary and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal also accompanied them.
