Gram Panchayat least bothered about basic facilities near Abbey falls

Abbey waterfalls in Kodagu district is one of the itinerary included in the list of tourists who visit the district.

Breathtaking waterfalls, its roaring sound and beautiful cascades spring back to life with the monsoon. A large number of tourists visit the waterfalls during weekends. Inspite of the fetching income from tourism, the gram panchayat has failed to provide basic facilities for the tourists near the waterfalls.

Abbey waterfalls is situated amidst coffee plantation. It cascades down 30 to 40 feet from a hillock. The land where Abbey falls is situated belongs to a private individual.

The land belongs to Neravanda Indira. To ensure that tourists are not disappointed, she has allowed them to walk in between her estate. However, the gram panchayats have not taken any measures to ensure that no harm is done to the estate.
Those who visit the waterfalls pluck coffee plants, throw plastic carry bags, cigarettes, beedi, gutka packets and liquor bottles, she said.

Indira said “the gram panchayat had promised to lay grills to the foot road that passes through estate. However, the promises have remained only on paper. The tourists damage the plants.”

“In protest against apathy of the gram panchayat, I had even locked the main gate. To ensure that no inconvenience is met to the tourists, I started opening the small gate to allow the tourists to enjoy the beauty of nature,” she said.

“The gram panchayat fetches income by collecting parking fee. However, they are least bothered to provide toilets, drinking water and cleanliness in the region,” said tourist Subrahmanya from Shimoga.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammanavar / DHNS, Madikeri – October 19th, 2014

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