Madras High Court mandates e-passes for travelers visiting Ooty and Kodaikanal, aiming to address environmental concerns and traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons. Effective from May 7 to June 30, the ruling aims to regulate the surge in vehicle traffic, particularly when tourist numbers escalate.
The directive necessitates all tourists heading to these renowned hill stations to acquire e-passes before embarking on their journey. This measure aims to alleviate the strain on local infrastructure caused by the influx of tourists, especially during specific months when visitor numbers peak.
This decision follows apprehensions regarding the capacity of hill station roads to accommodate the significant increase in vehicles during peak seasons. Currently, these destinations witness a daily influx of 1000-1300 vehicles, expected to surge to over 20,000 vehicles per day during the specified period. A recent collaborative study by teams from IIM Bangalore and IIT Madras highlighted potential adverse effects on local communities, wildlife movement, and ecological balance due to this congestion.
To facilitate the implementation of the e-pass system, the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to develop comprehensive guidelines for obtaining passes. District administrations will oversee the process, with extensive advertising campaigns planned to inform the public about the application procedures. It’s important to note that residents are exempt from the e-pass requirement, ensuring their freedom of movement remains unaffected.
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