Madikeri: Former Union minister and senior BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Monday said tourism development in Kodagu must not come at the cost of environmental destruction or cultural damage.
Speaking at a discussion on Kodagu tourism organised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture in Madikeri, Rudy said this was his eighth visit to Kodagu and that he had observed significant changes over the years.
He urged the state government to conduct a scientific survey to assess how many tourists the small district can accommodate at any given time. Without such limits, he warned, Kodagu's fragile environment and rich cultural heritage could be at risk.
Rudy said his study revealed worrying patterns of development in Kodagu. He advocated promoting homestays instead of large resorts, which, he said, cause greater environmental harm.
Calling for strict action against illegally operating homestays, Rudy instructed senior tourism and related department officials present at the meeting to take immediate steps. He also asked them to submit monthly reports to the parliamentary committee detailing action taken against unauthorised homestays.
He further cautioned against widening roads or undertaking development works within forest areas in the name of progress. Warning of long-term consequences, Rudy said Kodagu could lose its distinct identity within the next 100 years if tourism development lacked discipline and regulation.
Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said Kodagu attracts large numbers of tourists but receives inadequate funding for development. He urged both the Union and state governments to allocate more funds for tourism infrastructure and stressed the need to promote Kodava culture and local cuisine in hospitality centres. He also expressed disappointment over the poor quality of local products sold in the district.
Actor and MP Jaggesh said Kodagu should be promoted both nationally and internationally. He added that government schemes should benefit the middle class and suggested creating stronger promotional mechanisms so tourists choose Kodagu over foreign destinations. He also proposed introducing heli-tourism facilities.
Parliamentary committee chairman Sanjay Kumar Jha said Kodagu, the land of late Field Marshal K M Cariappa, deserved development while preserving its legacy.
Kodagu Hotels and Resorts Association adviser G Chidvilas called for revival of the Kushalnagar airstrip and the Mysuru-Kushalnagar railway link. He advocated sustainable and eco-friendly tourism across categories such as culture, health, religion, wildlife, rural tourism, sports, food, agriculture and photography.
