A lot has been written about the Glass Bridge Project at Raja’s Seat, Madikeri and the failed Glass Bridge Project at Nandimotte. For those who really want to experience the magic of monsoon’s beauty, there are a myriad of waterfalls that come to life across the entire landscape of Kodagu. Arguably the Northern Hills, towards Mandalpatti showcase some of the best such falls. A short video of the Surlabbi Falls captured by our correspondent from Madikeri, is shown below:
However, for the bounty that Nature provides us – there are uncontrolled, uncivilized and irresponsible visitors to such beautiful locales, who desecrate our sacred spaces with garbage. Sadly, the road to Kottebetta is strewn with a lot of garbage which should not be tolerated.
It is painful to see our beautiful and sacred landscape being spoilt. Time and again, responsible residents of Kodagu have sought the District Administration’s help to put an end to this menace. Offenders should be heavily fined, punished and barred from entry into Kodagu.
Board put up near Surlabi falls states that littering the place will be penalized. What is the use if we are not given the authority to enforce what is written?
The Gram Panchayat has the authority to impose fines, but they are not exercising it. Perhaps they can take a cue from B. Shettigeri Gram Panchayat President Kollira Bopanna on fulfilling their civic responsibility.
https://clnews.in/2025/07/08/president-kollira-bopanna-sends-strong-message-no-tolerance-for-river-pollution/
Contrary to normal tourist behaviour, Monsoon is particularly amongst the best times to enjoy the pristine landscape washed greenery of Coorg. If one is lucky, witnessing traditional Paddy cultivation where all members of families and their Neighbour’s are involved, is a memorable sight to behold.
Having said that, Resorts have begun to promote monsoon activities as revenue generation by boosting tourist movement. Unless properly managed and controlled, it will has spoil the very beauty of rainswept Coorg, which we locals look forward to.
Local Panchayats should strictly monitor cleanliness and civil behaviour, in addition to putting up visible Displays Boards to punish garbage offenders. The District Administration and Police should enforce strict fines.
*Recently I saw a couple from Mysore doing a pre-wedding shoot as Rama and Sita near a water body – I feel we should stop these activities happening near Water bodies which we treat as sacred locations.*
Will these tourists do this abroad?
Empathy has to come from within – it cannot be taught. How else can you explain the state of garbage in the cities and towns across the country?
All of us go to temples and follow the most demanding customs. But we would not hesitate in parting with our unwanted the garbage when we go on an errand away from home.
We used to be taught Civics in school and more importantly that Cleanliness is next to Godliness! When the very same tourists visit Singapore or any other western country, their behaviour changes.
In Singapore if one is caught throwing paper, the individual or group is made to do “community service” of cleaning public spaces in a visible manner.
Maybe this is a “solution” – where the Panchayat Members along with local Police be given the authority to impose such “social service” for those who litter the tourist spots with impunity.
“Absolutely agree with this post. Kodagu’s natural beauty is unmatched, especially during the monsoon, and it’s heartbreaking to see such carelessness ruining these pristine spots. Stronger action must be taken against those who disrespect nature. Kudos to Coffee Land News for highlighting this – we need more awareness and accountability!”
Tourists come to Kodagu to enjoy its lush greenery, waterfalls and serene landscape. Yet many leave behind a trial of garbage, that scars the very beauty they admire.
Beer bottles , plastic bags and food waste are now a common sight at our pristine spots.
This isn’t Tourism, it is a continuous destruction of the land. If this reckless behaviour continues, Kodagu will lose its charm and ecological balance.
Strict fines, entry bans for offenders and regular monitoring are no longer optional – they are urgent needs.
For locals, these waterfalls and hills aren’t just tourist spots — they’re sacred and part of our heritage. It’s painful to see them desecrated.
Not only do we need stronger rules, strict monitoring at key locations with local empowerment to control this menace, but we also need education — people must learn to respect what Nature and the order/way of life of locals.