Resorts in Kodagu remain open contrary to assn assurances to dist admin

Madikeri: Days after Kodagu Hotel and Resorts Association extended support to the district administration by voluntarily shutting down all the resorts, hotels and homestays here for 21 days, one resort near Mallalli falls in Somwarpet taluk was found to be violating the pact. As per the government guidelines, hotels, resorts and homestays are allowed to function by ensuring social distancing and hygiene.
Alarmed about the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Kodagu, villagers have warned the resort authorities against giving accommodation to tourists.They have also raised a complaint with Somwarpet taluk tahsildar Govindarajiu and Somwarpet rural police against gathering of tourists in the village.
Speaking to TOI, the taluk tahsildar said that he has sent the requisition by the villagers to the deputy commissioner’s office. However, sources in the district administration said they follow the guidelines issued by the government and the decision is left to the service providers.
The association president B R Nagendraprasad said, “We took a decision to close down all the hotels and resorts in Kodagu from June 25 for 21 days. The homestay association has also has also extended support to the move. Although it will worsen the economic conditions of the establishments, we have unanimously decided to support the voice of people of Kodagu who fear the arrival of tourists may spread Covid-19 further. As per our understanding, six major resorts in Kodagu are functional, while over 40 resorts have closed down.
When the association asked the managements of these six resorts to explain the reasons they said that they come under the corporate sector and there is no local jurisdiction for them.