Tuesday, August 6, 2024 Kodagu, a popular tourist destination near Bengaluru, is experiencing a severe downturn in its tourism industry this year, as relentless monsoon rains and consequent landslides wreak havoc across the region. Known for its stunning monsoon vistas, Kodagu usually attracts a plethora of visitors eager to witness its verdant beauty during this season. Unfortunately, the current weather conditions have led to a stark decrease in visitor numbers, dealing a heavy blow to local businesses dependent on tourism revenue.
Located approximately 250 kilometers from Bengaluru, Kodagu serves as a beloved escape for urban dwellers from the city and other parts of Karnataka. The district’s response to the heavy rainfall has included closing off access to beloved attractions such as the Dubare Elephant Camp and Abbey Falls. Additionally, an overnight travel ban has been imposed on the Madikeri-Mangaluru national highway, further discouraging tourist visits and leading to widespread cancellations of pre-booked travel plans and accommodations.
This is not the first time Kodagu has faced such challenges. Back in 2018, the region was struck by devastating landslides and floods that affected over 18,000 locals, claimed more than 20 lives, and displaced 1,000 families. The ongoing threat of such disasters has prompted the Indian Geospatial Department to conduct a thorough analysis, identifying 104 landslide-prone zones within Kodagu.
As a precaution, local authorities have notified 2,995 families living in these high-risk areas about the dangers, advising them to move to safer locations. The process of identifying these zones involved detailed surveys and assessments of disaster reports, categorizing areas as sensitive or ultra-sensitive. To support those displaced by these precautionary measures, the district has already set up 14 relief centers and plans to establish 95 more to ensure safety and shelter for those affected by the natural calamities.
The situation in Kodagu highlights the delicate balance between natural beauty and the vulnerabilities that come with it, urging both local authorities and tourists to adapt to the increasingly unpredictable patterns of nature..
