Safaris, resorts in Bandipur, Nagarahole out of bounds

DC appeals elected reps, public not to organise events to contain virus spread

Mysore/Mysuru: A sudden spike in COVID-19 positive cases has forced the Mysuru District Administration to direct authorities of the tiger reserves and accommodation facilities to suspend their activities in H.D. Kote and Hunsur taluks. 

Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Sankar’s order applies to Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves and all its safari points including Dammanakatte, lodges, resorts and hotels. Even the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy has banned safaris and resorts in the areas that come under Kodagu jurisdiction. 

It may be mentioned here that safari camps, resorts, home stays and hotels were closed in March as a precautionary measure. Later as part of the unlocking measures, they were allowed to operate since June 17. However, there was hardly any footfall as people were apprehensive. 

The DC issued the orders to accommodation facilities to suspend their activities under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases (Covid-19) Regulations-2020 and Disaster Management Act of 2005. Accommodation facilities have been asked to cancel both online and offline bookings. The tourists who are already staying in the resorts are allowed to complete their stay and there will be no forcible eviction. 

Also, the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserves in Chamarajanagar district has been shut for visitors.  “Those who have checked into Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) today or before can continue and opt for safari as per the JLR package. There will be no new check-ins,” the DC said. 

DC appeals to cancel programmes

The DC has urged the public and elected representatives of Mysuru district to either postpone or cancel their public programmes. Programmes such as foundation laying ceremony, inaugural ceremony and others must be suspended in the wake of virus spread, the DC appealed.

In a communication, the DC has stated that virus is resulting in deaths and to contain the spread of the infection, it is requested either to cancel or postpone the scheduled programmes. “Do not organise events where people gather in large numbers. There is a need for crowd regulation. If people must organise functions only under inevitable circumstances, they must limit the number of guests to fewer than 20,” the appeal stated.