Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

Sharp increase in number of tourists visiting Ooty

Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

Precautionary measure: A security exercise in progress at the Government Botanical Garden in Udhagamandalam on Thursday. —

Udhagamandalam: The flow of tourists to this hill station registered a sharp increase on Thursday.

Consequently, popular tourist spots like the Ooty Lake, Government Botanical Garden (GBG) and Dodabetta Peak were teeming with tourists. A majority of the tourists were from Kerala.

Stating that the number of tourists who visited the botanical garden on Thursday was over 20,000, Manager M. Bhaskaran told ‘The Hindu’ that the inflow was expected to be heavy for the next few days owing to Ramzan holidays in some parts of Kerala, Dassera celebrations in Karnataka, puja holidays and quarterly holidays for schools.

The Secretary, Nilgiri Hotels and Restaurants Association (NHRA), N. Chandrashekar, said that practically all hotels and restaurants were doing brisk business. He added that the trend was likely to continue for the whole of October.

On account of the heavy crowd and the nationwide alert triggered by the serial blasts, security measures had been stepped up in this vacation destination.

Stating that a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) comprising an Inspector, two sub-inspectors and 30 constables had been formed to deal with exigencies, the Superintendent of Police, A.G. Babu, added that they would be on their toes round the clock.

In addition, an investigation team and a bomb squad had been formed. Two ambulances would be stationed at the district police headquarters.

The intelligence machinery at the Special Branch had been strengthened. He said that if the people came across bags, boxes, vehicles etc which aroused their suspicion or people moving about in a suspicious manner, they should inform the police immediately.

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