Munnar, October 17, 2026: A reported proposal to develop the Mattupetty grasslands near Munnar as a tourism destination has prompted environmental concerns, with conservationists calling for a detailed ecological assessment before further development proceeds.

According to a report published by The Times of India on October 16, the ANEC Trust has urged the Kerala government to commission an independent study of the area's ecological importance and suspend further construction and tourism expansion until the environmental implications are examined.

Grasslands Important for Wild Elephants

The grasslands around Mattupetty, located between the Munnar–Top Station Road and Mattupetty Reservoir, form part of a landscape used by wild elephants for feeding and accessing water. The area is reportedly frequented by elephant herds, including females with young calves.

Environmentalists have expressed concern that additional tourist facilities, increased vehicle movement and greater human activity could disturb wildlife and interfere with established elephant movement routes. They have cautioned that changes to the habitat could increase the possibility of encounters between elephants and people in the surrounding areas.

Call for Ecological Assessment

The ANEC Trust has called for an independent evaluation of the proposed development, arguing that the ecological significance of the grasslands should be considered before decisions on tourism infrastructure are finalised.

A scientific assessment could help determine how tourism activities and facilities might affect wildlife, natural vegetation and the wider landscape. It could also provide guidance on whether development is appropriate in particular locations and what safeguards may be required.

The issue highlights the challenge of expanding tourism infrastructure while protecting the natural habitats that contribute to Munnar's appeal as a hill destination.

Implications for Munnar Tourism

Mattupetty is a popular stop for visitors exploring Munnar, known for its reservoir, surrounding hills, scenic drives and wildlife-rich landscapes. Any future development proposal in the grasslands could have implications for tourism planning and habitat management in the area.

For now, the report concerns objections to a proposed tourism initiative; it does not establish that Mattupetty is closed to visitors or that existing tourist activities have been suspended.

As discussions continue, the balance between tourism development and wildlife conservation is likely to remain an important consideration for the future management of Munnar's ecologically sensitive landscapes.