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This story is from July 9, 2020
Homestays and resorts in Sakleshpur, Chikkamagaluru to stay shut
Following protests by locals due to influx of tourists in Unlock 1.0, private accommodations in Karnataka’s hill towns have been instructed to cease operations for now
‘Resorts and homestays can reopen once the situation improves’
I had personally taken representatives from resorts and homestays for a direct interaction with the chief minister. They had two or three demands, which the CM has assured that he’ll look into. We understand that everyone is going through tough times, especially resort owners, for whom the investment is huge. They can reopen business once the situation improves
– CT Ravi, Minister for Tourism, Kannada and Culture, Youth Empowerment and Sports, Karnataka
After being in confinement for three months, it’s no surprise that the fresh and cool breeze of the mountains seemed most enticing during Unlock 1.0. Apart from quick getaways to other places, many from Bengaluru headed to the hill towns of Sakleshpur and Chikkamagaluru during this time. This, however, raised concerns among the local people in these places, over vigil and safety amid the pandemic.And eventually, the authorities issued an order instructing homestays and resorts to close operations until further notice.
After the long isolation period, we were looking forward to a whiff of fresh air: Tourists
The move, quite obviously, has proved to be a dampener for people who were looking forward to spending some time with nature and homestay owners who were planning to host guests after a long, lull period. “After months of staying indoors, we really wanted to spend a weekend at a homestay in Coorg. We had even made the bookings in advance, but the new government order is a complete let down. When other commercial establishments are allowed to reopen, I don’t understand the logic behind closing such private businesses away from the bustle of the city,” rues Soumya Hegde, an IT employee.
Meanwhile, when entrepreneur Pooja C and her friends had gone to spend a few days at a friend’s resort in Sakleshpur, they were confronted by local residents during a trekking tour in the neighbouring hills and asked us to vacate. “They forced us to head back, saying that city folks were spreading the virus in their untouched villages. Even a cop instructed us to leave immediately,” she explains.
“Instead of the usual travel hotspots, like Mysuru Dharmasthala, we had chosen to spend the weekend at an isolated spot in Chikkamagaluru, but had to cancel plans following the recent notice,” says Chethan Shetty, an engineer.
Running empty since March, homestays and resorts take a beating: Entrepreneurs
“Months of staying shut has taken a toll on resort owners. We were looking forward to hosting guests after the rules were relaxed,” says Pruthvi, who runs a resort in Sakleshpur, adding, “Many of our staff members were back at work, and we had invested a lot in ensuring that all the hygiene and safety measures are strictly maintained. But just when we were about to start bookings, the authorities issued this notice. Imagine the kind of losses we have incurred.” According to him, as many as 800 people have lost employment following the closure of such enterprises in the Sakleshpur region.
Ever since the country entered Unlock 1.0, Chirag Shambhu’s homestay in Sakleshpur has been flooded with booking enquiries. “I had three good weekends with a packed house. Only our regular guests were considered during this time. But given the surge in cases, we decided to voluntarily close the homestay,” he says
Similarly, Chanchal Nagesh – a homestay owner in Mallenahalli, Chikkamagaluru – says, “Irrespective of the initial relaxations and the subsequent closing order, I had decided to not open my homestay until the situation improves. But while I can afford to do so, there are many others in the region, whose livelihood depends on their homestays, and these have been running empty since March with no relief in sight.”
Positive cases were reported after these enterprises went back to business: Residents
Dushyanth Patel, a resident of Mudigere, was perturbed by the number of tourists coming in to Chikkamagaluru. “Our town, which had no Coronavirus cases, recently registered a few patients. Since the locals don’t travel, we have reason to believe that it’s the tourists who have caused the spread of the disease here. On weekends, places like Bababudangiri, have even seen traffic jams. That’s the reason many villagers resorted to force tourists to vacate the place,” he says.
“Recently, an entire family in our neighbourhood tested positive. It was later found out that the guests, who had stayed at their homestay, tested positive soon after they had returned to Bengaluru. This led to a panic situation in our village, which was a green zone until recently. Thus, following protests by local people, the district administration announced the closure of all such establishments in Coorg until further notice,” says Sachin Madaiah, a businessman, adding, “Things maybe tough monetarily, but right now, the safety of public health is more important.”
Travel industry has come to a standstill
Pradeep Kumar, owner of a travel agency, says things are looking grim for the travel industry. “The one or two bookings that we had for Chikkamagaluru and a few other places were cancelled, after the previous weekend saw a whopping 7,000 tourists in Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri, and the infuriated local people sent them back. It’s a similar case with establishments in Kabini. The travel industry might pick up only next year again,” he says.
End of Article
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