Tuesday, August 6, 2024
reading time: 2 minutes
Kodagu, Kodagu, a popular tourist destination near Bengaluru, has been witnessing a severe downturn in its tourism industry this year as incessant monsoon rains and the resulting landslides have wreaked havoc across the region. Known for its scenic views during the monsoon season, Kodagu usually attracts a large number of visitors keen to witness its verdant beauty during this season. Unfortunately, the current weather conditions have led to a sharp decline in visitor numbers, dealing a major blow to local businesses that rely on tourism revenue.
Located about 250 kilometres from Bengaluru, Kodagu is a popular refuge for urban dwellers from the city and other parts of Karnataka. The district’s response to the heavy rains included closing access to popular attractions such as the Dubari Elephant Camp and Abbi Falls. Additionally, an overnight travel ban was imposed on the Madikeri-Mangaluru National Highway, further discouraging tourist visits and leading to widespread cancellation of travel and accommodation plans.
This is not the first time Kodagu has faced such challenges. In 2018, the region was hit by devastating landslides and floods that affected over 18,000 locals, killed over 20 people and displaced 1,000 families. The constant threat of such disasters prompted the Indian Geospatial Department to conduct a comprehensive analysis and identify 104 landslide-prone areas within Kodagu.
As a precaution, local authorities have notified 2,995 households living in these high-risk areas of the risks and advised them to move to safer places. The process of identifying these areas involved detailed surveys and assessments of disaster reports, and classifying the areas as sensitive or highly sensitive. To support those displaced by these precautionary measures, the region has already set up 14 relief centers and plans to set up 95 more to ensure safety and shelter for those affected by natural disasters.
The situation in Kodagu highlights the delicate balance between natural beauty and the vulnerability that accompanies it, urging local authorities and tourists to adapt to increasingly unpredictable patterns of nature.
