Bengaluru: The long weekend mid-August is going to be a challenge for authorities, as most tourist destinations in Karnataka are booked. The tour operators are anticipating unmanageable crowds at several tourist attractions across the state and are suggesting that the authorities get on their toes to prevent accidents.
The tour operators confirm that most homestay facilities in Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Coorg districts have been booked to capacity even as more inquiries still pour in. With Independence Day on Saturday, tourists hope for a three-day long weekend.
Last weekend, traffic congestion was reported in Bababudangiri and Mullaiyyanagiri Hills -- this continued for more than two hours. The tour operators were demanding better security and management at their destinations so accidents can be avoided. Adventure tour operator, Mr. Dev Blaji, points out that the waterfalls in the state will be attended by crowds during the next one month. The numbers will double during the Id holiday.
“With trekking to Dudhsagar being blocked by authorities, the waterfalls in Karnataka will be crowded due to the increased number of tourists. This could lead to accidents and illegal entry of trekkers in sensitive forests in the Western Ghats. Famous destinations like Kudremukh, Kodachadri, Tadiyendamol peak and Kumara Parvata receive a large number of visitors during monsoons, causing acute plastic pollution. The local Panchayats fleece the visitors and never ensure the area is kept clean. Worse, most tourists lack a sense of civic awareness and responsibility and throw plastic waste in forests and rivers. Many of these tourist destinations, visited by a large number of tourists, fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department and though entry to these places is regulated by the Department, further measures are required to ensure accident- free visits."
“During the monsoon, the forest department must restrict the number of tourists visiting certain destinations. Fighting plastic pollution in the Western Ghats has turned into a major issue with the increasing number of tourists. The previous government announced the appointment of the green police, but the project never took off beyond Hampi. It is important that government departments such as the police, forest and tourism work in tandem to ensure that increased number of tourists do not spoil the sanctity of the forests,” said another tour operator.
