About 250 kilometres from Bengaluru, Kodagu is a popular monsoon getaway in Karnataka. With the beautiful waterfalls and landscape, the place turns into a scenic paradise and a tourist hub during the monsoon season. However, heavy rainfall has significantly affected the tourism in the district this year. Adding to that, experts from the Geological Survey of India have identified 104 landslide-prone areas in Kodagu as well. This has caused substantial financial losses for local businesses, hotels, and homestays in the area.
Heavy Rainfall & Landslide Affect Tourism In Kodagu This Monsoon
Known for its cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and cool, breezy weather, Kodagu is a popular monsoon getaway in Karnataka. However, heavy rains and landslides have severely impacted monsoon tourism in this area this year. According to a Hindustan Times report, adverse weather conditions have resulted in a tourism decline in the area. This has also caused massive financial losses for local businesses, especially homestays, hotels, and lodges.
While talking to Hindustan Times, a tourism department official said that they have noticed a 50% drop in visitors this monsoon season. Typically, 1,50,000 to 2,00,000 tourists visit Kodagu in a month. Due to the heavy rainfall in the area, Kodagu’s district administration has restricted access to popular tourist spots like Dubare Elephant Camp and Abbey Falls. Also, the night traffic has been shut down on the Madikeri-Mangaluru National Highway. All these restrictions have caused the tourists coming to Kodagu to cancel their plans.
It is to be noted that August is a particularly difficult month for the people in the district. This is mainly due to the 2018 and 2019 landslide tragedies that affected thousands of people in the area.
Also Read: Bengaluru: BMTC Electric Bus Catches Fire On A Waterlogged Road Due To A Short Circuit
Experts Identify 104 Landslide-Prone Areas In The District
In view of the tragic landslide in Wayanad, the Kodagu district administration has identified potential danger zones in the area as well. With reference to a report by the Geological Survey of India experts, they have been able to identify 104 landslide-prone areas in Kodagu.
40 such landslide-prone areas have been identified in Madikeri and Kushalnagar taluks, 13 in Virajpet-Ponnampet, and 11 in Somwarpet taluk. As a precautionary measure, the Kodagu administration has asked 2,995 families living in high-risk regions to relocate to safer areas. They have also established 14 relief centres so far. These centres can accommodate more than 200 residents. The authorities plan to set up an additional 95 relief centres across disaster-prone areas, Hindustan Times reported.
We hope that no more landslides or flood-like tragedies hit India again this season!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva & Wikimedia
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