There was a video which was circulating around in the social media which said “Tourist Don’t come to Coorg ” which showed the trash being dumped in the sacred sites at Talacauvery. Kodagu, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage, has long been a favoured destination for travellers seeking respite from urban life. However, the influx of tourists has brought with it an unintended consequence: Environmental degradation. The sight of garbage strewn across its roads not only defiles the scenic charm but also poses a grave threat to the delicate ecosystem of the region. Famous for its serene landscapes, world class coffee, majestic valleys and waterfalls is home for a small group of people and diverse wildlife. Unfortunately, mounds of plastic bags, garbage and liquor bottles are visible along the roads to greet travelers on the roads. Kodagu known for its tourist attractions has definitely lost its charm because of the garbage menace. Most of the tourist spots are littered with garbage. Tourists, who hope to enjoy the greenery of the area, reside at home stays and throw the plastic and water bottles besides the roads. Many of them consume liquor and the road situated on the periphery of the reserve forest is lined up with the bottles they mindlessly throw. It’s not uncommon for those running home stays in Kodagu to dump the garbage on roads. Mounds of uncleared garbage are seen in all the major towns of the district. Sadly, tourists do not think twice before throwing waste from their vehicles. Further civic authorities dump the garbage on main roads, instead of disposing off in the designated dump yards. Tourists who visit the district should enjoy the nature rather than disturbing the flora and fauna in the region. Talacauvery is a sacred place for us. It is not a picnic spot, just as any holy space in the rest of the country. Kindly treat an eco-sensitive region like Kodagu ” sensitively ” and regard a holy space you would anywhere else. Further, Cauvery is not just a river, a chief deity, Mother Goddess who generates oodles of emotions in the people of Kodagu. Stop desecrating Talacauvery. This holy site revered by locals for its spiritual significance, has been sullied by the callous disregard of those who ought to have shown reverence. It is unfortunate that people come to Coorg for the reason it is beautiful and end up throwing garbage in every possible places. The recent viral video circulating on the social media has exposed the appalling act of dumping garbage within the sacred precincts of Talacauvery. Dear Tourists, do care for our place. Your behavior and actions do play a major role. We are aggressive because we are tired of cleaning and preaching. Carry your trash with yourself. Kodagu is not your dustbin and this land is no more a tourist paradise too.Â
Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah
