The large influx of tourists to Coorg over the weekend created such a mess in Madikeri and other towns in Coorg, that one literally witnessed traffic jams on the roads of the many towns. Something that was unthinkable until now.
Tourists visiting Coorg have been increasing each year. But the limited infrastructure of Coorg is not capable of taking such an influx of tourists. Plus, there are hundreds of illegal homestays, guest houses, hotels and resorts coming up in Coorg, only making the matters worse for the environment and locals.
People thronged Raja Seat in Madikeri to visit the Annual Flower Show event. Roads from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle to the bus stand, and from M.G. Road to Racecourse Road, all the way to College Road and Patrika Bhavan road, all witnessed Traffic Jams.
The Traffic police were caught off guard and had no idea how to manage the traffic. Even Madikeri – Bhagamandala Road witnessed traffic snarls.
As if the Jams were not enough headache for locals, such a huge tourist influx created a garbage dump in Coorg. From Bhagamandala to Madikeri, litter could be found everywhere, more so at the Raja Seat, where a whopping 5,000 tourists had gone to witness the Annual Flower Show event.
Many tourists were unable to get bookings for hotels and homestays and had to spend the night in their vehicles. Even restaurants were unable to cope with the tourist demand for food. Some tourists were even seen sleeping on the footpath and some even cooking next to the road.
Local residents were blaming the administration and tourists for the mess. “Look at the garbage, Look at the mess!. Is this what Govt calls eco-tourism?. We Locals are suffering in the name of tourism.” said Cauvery Cariappa, a local resident.
