DHARMAPURI: Tourism activity at Hogenakkal Falls in Dharmapuri has taken a hit this season with significantly reduced flow in the Cauvery River, deterring visitors and affecting local livelihood. Local vendors, cooks and coracle operators reported steep losses as footfall dwindled, with businesses now largely dependent on local visitors rather than the usual crowds from neighbouring states. Officials have acknowledged the poor river flow as a key reason for the slump in tourism and are hopeful for improvement in the coming weeks.
Hogenakkal is one of the most important tourist destinations in Dharmapuri, attracting thousands of visitors over the summer. The Cauvery River flow attracts, on average, 10 lakh unique visitors every summer. However, the river flow has drastically decreased this year, with only 200 cusecs recorded. Residents are concerned about the situation, as the upcoming summer season seems bleak.
C Prabhu from Hogenakkal told TNIE, "We have about 428 registered coracle operators, who have no means of livelihood. Previously, coracle operations were conducted at three locations in Hogenakkal. But due to poor inflow, we can now only operate in one area, the Thammabachikkai-Periyapani area. Moreover, tourists arriving here, after seeing the poor inflows, do not take part in the coracle rides. This deeply affects our livelihood."
Another resident of Hogenakkal, G Angammal, a cook, told TNIE, " We still have two months for the annual season to start, but the water levels have been very poor. There is only a thin stream flowing through the waterfalls, and this has dissuaded people from coming here. If the situation persists, our livelihood will be at risk. We hope the administration can provide some assistance funds to tide us through the poor season ahead."
When TNIE reached out to officials in the Block Development Office, they said, " There is little we can do about the poor inflow. We are also aware of the situation, and we will take necessary steps to aid the people in Hogenakkal. However, assistance funds are not required. Last year, the situation was also similar, but it recovered by early April."