How The E-Pass System Impacting Local Business In Kodaikanal

The e-pass system, introduced in the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal, following a Madras High Court order, has led to a dip in the number of tourists to the hill stations, local traders said, adding that businesses that depend on tourism have also been impacted by this decline.

Popular tourist spots like Bryant Park and Lake in Kodaikanal, which are usually crowded, now appear deserted, according to a report in ANI. Local traders have reported a negative impact on business due to the decrease in tourist arrivals.

This year, 73,000 tourists visited Kodaikanal in April and 27,000 in May till now. Last year, Kodaikanal received 72,000 tourists in April and 1.85 lakh tourists in May.

Travellers visiting Ooty, Kodaikanal, and the Nilgiris region in India via their own vehicles are now required to obtain an e-pass, effective from Tuesday, May 7, until June 30.

In response to the need for regulating vehicle entry into the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal, the Madras High Court recently directed the respective district administrations to establish a mechanism for issuing e-passes to vehicles intending to visit these popular hill stations.

Under this directive, the District Collectors of Nilgiris and Dindigul have been tasked with implementing an online system or form for all vehicles planning to visit the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal to submit their details and acquire an e-pass. Entry will only be permitted to vehicles with such passes.

The e-pass requirements are simple and need details such as phone number, e-mail, address, vehicle details and stay details on the software created by the district administration.

Kodaikanal, popularly known as the Queen of Hill Resorts, is located in the Dindigul District. The summer season here falls in April and May, and it becomes vibrant in May.

Meanwhile, heavy rains have lashed the Nilgiris and Ooty.

In fact, the district administration of Nilgiris cautioned on Friday about the forecast of very heavy rains expected from May 18-20 and urged people to refrain from visiting the hilly tourist destination during this weekend.

District Collector M Aruna said that the India Meteorological Department had issued an "orange alert," indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm on May 18, 19, and 20.