Kalpetta: It goes by the name ' Google property'. Reason: such homestays and resorts do not figure in official database. It pops-up on search engines only during peak seasons.
While unregulated tourism is being blamed for changing the land-use pattern and natural run-offs which eventually aggravated the landslide in Wayanad, the authorities are at a loss ascertaining even a definite number of authorised resorts and homestays in Wayanad, especially in Meppadi panchayat. A glaring instance of a shoddy database is the presence of what officials term as Google properties. “Most of them operate only during the tourist season and can be located only with the help of Google Maps, as there are no boards and signs.
However, they will have a profound digital presence with a website, tagged Google Maps location, e-mail ID, G-pay account, and WhatsApp contact number. Most of them are serviced villas or vacation bungalows constructed by NRIs, bureaucrats, businessmen and techies who work elsewhere but take pride in having one home in Wayanad,” an official who did not want to be named said. In most of the facilities, there would be only one or two rooms, a kitchenette and a hall.
“The problem is that these people are not aware of the ecological importance of certain spots on the hills and they would prefer the location only because of the serene ambience and scenic beauty,” he said. Officially there are only 32 tourism properties registered under the Department of Tourism under var.