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Madikeri: Following a series of mishaps at Mandalpatti in the Kodagu district, the local administration has taken the decision to prohibit the use of personal vehicles to access Mandalpatti.
In a recent district administration meeting, authorities issued a directive specifying that only vehicles with yellow boards (four-wheel drives) will be allowed to enter Mandalpatti, and their entry will be subject to fees set by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Mandalpatti, situated amid scenic hills in the Kodagu district also known as Coorg, gained prominence when Kannada director Yogaraj Bhat filmed his movie "Gaalipata" there, using the name "Mugilupete." Once a relatively unknown location for outsiders, it has now transformed into a popular destination, drawing in sizable crowds.
Following the discovery of Mandalpatti by tourists after watching the movie, there has been a surge in tourists arriving in their vehicles. As the number of tourists increases on this beautiful hill, locals allege that the once pristine landscape is now marred by litter, with tourists reportedly dumping garbage such as plastic water bottles and other waste, making the area unsightly.
Additionally, numerous tourists who lack hill-driving skills are using their personal vehicles on roads intended only for jeeps, resulting in an increase in accidents.
An official from the district authority said, "The journey to Mandalpatti involves navigating challenging roads, and only vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive were permitted. Nevertheless, there have been instances where homestays were observed transporting passengers in whiteboard vehicles, contravening government regulations. Since these were whiteboard vehicles, even RTO officials had limited authority. However, tourists raised concerns about being charged excessively, with some going as far as filing police complaints."
In a bid to curb littering in the region, the forest department has opted to implement a refundable deposit system at the entrance. Visitors carrying water bottles or other plastic items are required to submit a declaration and make the deposit payment. Afterward, they will be granted entry, and upon their departure, they must furnish evidence of retrieving all their belongings to reclaim the deposited amount.
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