The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Team to assess needs of tourists in Kodaikanal

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Sunday, May 04, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Team to assess needs of tourists in Kodaikanal

Staff Reporter

Facilities to be enhanced based on findings

Committee members to interact with visitors at various places
Lorries lifting water from the lake will be seized, says Collector R. Vasuki

KODAIKANAL: A special committee comprising Government officials, members and volunteers of non-governmental organisations, including college students, and lecturers will be constituted shortly to assess the needs and requirements of tourists visiting the hill station and to monitor whether the comforts and facilities reach them or not.

On the basis of its findings, existing facilities will be enhanced and their grievances, if any, will be redressed immediately, according to Collector R. Vasuki.

Talking to media persons here on Saturday, after raiding shops and hotels that were selling spurious and banned items and eatables at more than the prescribed price, she said that the committee members would interact with tourists at various places to know their practical difficulties and types of assistance they require from various Government departments, including the police, tourism and health.

Such efforts would help district administration plan in a better way to enhance facilities and provide more comforts to tourists, she added.

“If officials meet tourists, they will not reveal their real problems or their needs. But they can interact with members freely and give useful information.”

Already, lifting water from Kodai Lake was totally banned. Municipal officials were directed to monitor the lake round the clock. Lorries lifting water from the lake would be seized immediately, she warned.

Traffic diversion

With the increase in traffic flow even before the beginning of the summer festival, one-way traffic would be introduced on prime roads.

Suitable instructions have been given to the traffic police. All vehicles would be diverted immediately through the Observatory to reach the Pillar Rock and 40 miles round from Kodai Lake and climb down to Coaker’s walk through upper lake view. Direct entry into Coakers’ Walk from the lake is banned, she said.

Stern action would be initiated against shop-keepers who sell packed items more than the sale price. Hotels must display prices of all eatables.

She ordered the closure of a shop near Bryant Park and another one on Lake Road for selling eatables in an unhygienic manner.

The Collector also interacted with tourists at Bryant Park to know their views. Some tourists wanted more parking space near tourist spots.

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