Wild elephants eat plant waste from Munnar panchayat’s waste treatment plant at Kallar in Idukki. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Munnar grama panchayat is set to charge a surcharge on tourist vehicles coming to the hill station from this Onam season.
A panchayat committee meeting held on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) approved the decision to levy the levy, which authorities say is a step to address the growing garbage crisis in the region.
Munnar panchayat president S. Vijayakumar said the surcharge would be levied from the upcoming Onam festival season. He said hundreds of tourist vehicles arrive at the hill station daily and most of them leave by evening, often leaving behind a large amount of garbage.
“The local body does not get any income from these tourists, yet we are responsible for managing the waste they leave behind,” Mr. Vijayakumar said. “Waste management is a serious concern for the panchayat and the revenue from the surcharge will be used exclusively for waste management efforts.”
The panchayat plans to set up ‘green check posts’ with the support of various authorities. The proposed locations include the area near the Devikulam toll plaza, the forest check post at Chatta Munnar and Pallivasal. Mr. Vijayakumar said that if there are hurdles for collection at the check posts, the panchayat will collect the fees directly. He added that the initiative has already received huge public support.
Environmentalists welcomed the move, noting that the surcharge and the zero-waste initiative are long-pending demands to ensure the destination remains litter-free.
R. Mohan, president of the Munnar Environment and Wildlife Society (MEWS), suggested that a scientific study be done before its implementation. “If a mobile app is developed, tourists would be able to register their arrival and pay the surcharge online,” said Mr. Mohan. “The health of the mountains in Munnar is the wealth of the plains,” he said.
Mr. Mohan further noted that the local wildlife, especially the wild elephants, are the main attraction on the hill, but they are currently under threat due to the waste. “Due to illegal dumping, wild animals eat plant waste mixed with plastic from the sewage treatment plant. Installing green check posts and ensuring proper waste management will help preserve local wildlife,” he said.
According to officials, the nearby Kanthalloor panchayat also levies a similar surcharge. Currently, Munnar sees 2,000 to 2,500 tourist vehicles a day, a number that rises to 5,000 to 6,000 on weekends and holidays, often leading to hour-long traffic jams.
Published – 14 May 2026 21:09 IST
