Kodagu, commonly known as Coorg, has become a hotspot for year-end holidaymakers. However, the overwhelming tourist influx during this period has turned into a nightmare for local residents and the district’s fragile environment. Here’s why visitors should think twice before planning a trip to Kodagu this year.
Traffic chaos cripples daily life
The year-end tourist rush clogs Kodagu’s narrow roads, leading to severe traffic jams in key towns such as Madikeri, Gonikoppa, Virajpet, Kushalnagar, and Somwarpet. For local residents, this is a critical time as they are busy harvesting paddy and coffee, which form the backbone of Kodagu’s economy. The traffic delays hinder transportation of crops and workers, causing frustration and significant disruptions to their livelihood.
Strain on limited infrastructure
Kodagu’s small towns are ill-equipped to handle the massive influx of vehicles during the holiday season. With no adequate parking facilities, cars end up blocking vital roads, adding to the chaos. For locals, these blockages severely impact their ability to carry out essential tasks, creating resentment towards the inconsiderate tourist behaviour.
Environmental degradation caused by tourists
Tourists’ disregard for Kodagu’s pristine environment has reached alarming levels. Littering is rampant, with plastic bottles, wrappers, and other waste dumped carelessly on roads, coffee estates, and even forest areas. This not only pollutes the land but also harms wildlife and the delicate ecosystem. Additionally, the increased number of vehicles adds to air pollution, diminishing Kodagu’s natural charm.
Tourism is not Kodagu’s lifeline
Unlike many tourist destinations, Kodagu’s economy does not revolve around tourism. The district thrives primarily on agriculture, particularly coffee and pepper cultivation. The seasonal influx of visitors does little to support the local economy during the harvest season and instead creates unnecessary burdens on residents who are already stretched thin.
Tourists flooding Kodagu during this critical time of the year disrupt the region's rhythm and threaten its sustainability. For the sake of the locals and the environment, it’s best to leave Kodagu off your year-end travel plans. Let the district focus on its priorities without the chaos caused by an unchecked tourist influx.
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