Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options

Observations of the Local Community noted during the
survey
.. ,.\ Tourists in Masinagudi are resorting in activities such as excessive
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drinking of liquor and engage in prostitution. A large chunk of the
domestic tourists are hailing from highly influential section with money
nd political power.
• Traffic of vehicles by the tourists is posing hurdles to wildlife.
• Between Gudalore to Theppakadu, in Mysore Ooty Ghat road, for the
period of three months in 2002 in peak tourist season April-June ,
nearly 180 wild animals killed by the vehiculartraffic.
• In order to extend sanctuary area, further to 240 Kilometres, the
Government is attempting to forcefully displace the Adivasis.Local
leaders went to the High Court and got stay for the expansion of
sanctuary and thus doing favourforthe resorts.
• Resorts owners welcomed the government move to expansion of
Sanctuary, eyeing on business prospects.
• ;It is alleged that Mavanalla adivasi women have been forced to involve
J in sex work by the resort owners to cater to their rich clients who have
come here only for indulging in such activities.
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It is also alleged that Resort owners collect huge amounts from tourists
for this sex offer and give only very meagre money for adivasi women
like RS.500r RS.1000utofRs.10000r Rs.1500.
y ' Police harassment on these innocent tribal women is a regular feature
and infliction of these violations and phYSical violence are common
occurrence.
• ,open intimidation and threats by the police for these women has been
\.1 done in this village. But, resort owners who were the sources for these
violations have escaped from the law of the land with impunity.
Nilagiris : Fading Glnry 24