Hill station isn’t open for tourism: Collector

Udhagamandalam: The Nilgiris collector has cautioned people not to enter the hill district for tourism purposes as the government has not allowed any tourism activity in the district.
Following the relaxation in norms to issue e-passes, borders of the district have been witnessing heavy vehicle inflow for the past few weeks. Thousands of commuters have crossed the Kunjappanai and Burliar borders and stepped into the Nilgiris.
J Innocent Divya, district collector, said, “At least 2,500-3,000 people are entering the district daily after the relaxation of e-pass. We are now in a position to check the purpose of their visit.”
She said if people were found in the hills on tourism purposes, they would be sent back immediately after coughing up a heavy penalty.
“If any private cottages or lodges are found operating illegally, they will be sealed and action will be taken against the owners,” she said.