The District Administration has shown interest in allowing the Glass Bridge project to proceed despite widespread concerns. This comes even after a landslide occurred beneath the Glass bridge in 2024, rendering three of its supporting pillars unstable and prompting the then Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja to order its closure. Furthermore, although the MP Yaduveer Wodeyar has publicly stated that he opposed the construction of a Glass Bridge at Raja Seat, this project has nevertheless cleared official scrutiny and moved forward.
This is somewhat disappointing and raises serious questions about the priorities of those entrusted with protecting Kodagu’s fragile environment and landscape. Does the natural beauty of our sacred land really require such structures to enhance one’s appreciation and splendour of our beautiful landscape?
It is difficult to comprehend how the Administration chose to accept a patently unsafe project. Commercialisation through tourist footfall for private gain is not necessarily a wise move in this instance. When public safety, environmental protection and the sanctity of our landscape are at stake, such decisions are an aberration to the priorities of what is really required in our district.
The hidden agenda behind such innovative tourism development projects appears to be revenue generation through direct or indirect means. The district administration must prohibit any such projects across Kodagu to preserve and protect our holy land.
There are no adequate vehicle parking facilities near Raja’s Seat. The authorities should study the traffic flow and implement scientific and innovative solutions, such as a multi-level parking system, to effectively manage traffic congestion, especially during weekends and holiday seasons.
The local administration may also consider levying reasonable charges on tourists to meet infrastructure maintenance and management costs.
Local residents’ associations and other organisations should approach the district administration and submit a memorandum seeking the suspension of such tourism development projects.
Does the natural beauty of our sacred land really require such structures to enhance one’s appreciation and splendour of our beautiful landscape?
Absolutely not!!
In Wayanad glass bridges are everywhere. They are an eyesore, an unnecessary gimmick established just to attract unsustainable tourist footfalls and make money in the process. But at what cost?
Are we seeing the future of Kodagu in Wayanad? We are.