Ooty and Kodaikanal, the Madras High Court has mandated the acquisition of e-passes for visitors to these popular Tamil Nadu hill stations.
Effective from May 7 to June 30, 2024, this regulatory directive aims to streamline tourism flow and safeguard the ecological integrity of the Nilgiris. Introduced by a special division bench comprising Justices D Bharatha Chakravarthy and N Sathish Kumar, the e-pass requirement seeks to address the challenges posed by unregulated tourism influx in these pristine locales. Notably, there is no cap on e-pass issuance, with exemptions granted to local residents. The court’s decision underscores concerns regarding traffic congestion, particularly along the arduous ghat roads leading to Ooty and Kodaikanal. By implementing e-passes, authorities aim to gather crucial data on vehicular movement, enabling informed decision-making to alleviate congestion and enhance road safety. The initiative follows a report revealing the overwhelming presence of over 20,000 vehicles daily, including 11,500 cars and 6,500 two-wheelers, during peak seasons. In response, District Collectors have been tasked with establishing an online platform for seamless e-pass issuance, ensuring mandatory entry requirements for tourists while facilitating regulated access and mitigating traffic bottlenecks.
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, beckons travellers with its picturesque landscapes, temperate climate, and timeless allure. Renowned as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” Ooty captivates visitors with its natural splendour and abundant recreational opportunities. Among its notable attractions, the Ooty Botanical Gardens stand out as a botanical marvel, spanning 55 acres and showcasing a diverse collection of exotic flora. Established in 1848, these historic gardens serve as a testament to Ooty’s botanical heritage, hosting the annual Ooty Flower Show, a visual extravaganza that attracts enthusiasts from far and wide.
