Tourism dependent people appeal to the Tamil Nadu state government to reassess its decision

Published on : Wednesday, April 21, 2021

People reliant on tourism for their living have appealed to the Tamil Nadu state government to reassess its decision to prohibit entry to The Nilgiris, Yercaud and Kodaikanal as part of its new restrictions to restrain the spread of the corona virus.

Traders and tourist van drivers in The Nilgiris district held a protest on Monday demanding the state government to rethink its decision and also to announce a financial package for those affected by the partial lockdown. “Tasmac shops have been allowed to function round the clock. However livelihood for the thousands of people depending upon the tourism sector is in peril,” the traders and van drivers said

Tourist spots in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) will also be closed to visitors from Tuesday. ATR Deputy Director Arokiyaraj Xavier said that tourists would not be allowed to Topslip, and Monkey Falls near Pollachi till further notice. Those having booked rooms online will be refunded soon. Eco- tourism spots in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), the Kovai Courtallam waterfall and Baralikkadu would also be closed for tourists.

Resort workers and vendors in Yercaud also fear a loss of livelihood for the second consecutive year. The summer festival and flower show attract scores of people to Yercaud every year.

Nathan, a manager of a resort in Yercaud, said, “There are 300 small and medium resorts, and 50 big resorts.. Around 850 workers dependent on these resorts would be rendered jobless again. We have to spend thousands of rupees on maintenance every month and pay tax and electricity bills. Even if the resorts are closed we have to pay staff in charge of essential operations.”

Coracle operators, cooks and shop owners in Hogenakkal requested the district administration to provide compensation to families affected by the lockdown in tourist spots.

Mariappan, a shopkeeper, said, “The ban on tourism will affect over 450 coracle operators, 600 cooks and 150 vendors in Hogenakkal. We hope the district administration will look after the welfare of the people and announce a relief of Rs 5,000 per month.”