MADIKERI: Villagers of Poradu in Birunani Grama Panchayat in South Kodagu have passed a resolution to ban homestays and resort culture in the village.
The decision was finalised during a special general meeting headed by the panchayat president, following a protest by residents.
According to villagers, the native population is primarily dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, and the village has remained free of homestays and resorts.
However, a person from outside the district has allegedly purchased land within the village limits and is planning to establish a resort on the plot. The villagers opposed the move, prompting the panchayat to convene a meeting to discuss the issue.
During the meeting, villagers alleged that tourism activities would affect the sanctity of the area and lead to pollution.
“Growth of tourism in the region will result in environmental damage and pollution of the natural resources. There are sacred places in the village limits and tourist activities can hinder the sanctity of the place resulting in an increase in illegal activities. The natural resources will be disturbed due to unbridled tourism,” opined the villagers.
The villagers urged the panchayat not to sanction a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for homestays and resorts in the region. They also submitted a complaint in this regard to the Srimangala Police, who were present at the meeting.
Further, the villagers alleged that a landowner from outside the district is already involved in excavating earth for the construction of a resort and demanded action.
They stated that the region is prone to landslides and that the work must be stopped immediately.
Following this, panchayat officials passed a resolution banning the functioning of homestays and resorts in the area and handed over a copy of the order to the villagers.
Officials also issued a notice to the concerned landowners to halt the ongoing resort work, stating that an NOC would not be granted by the panchayat.