CHENNAI: Film shooting has been banned in key horticultural parks in Ooty during the summer season to manage the surge in tourist footfall, said a report by Daily Thanthi.
Known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Ooty in the Nilgiris district attracts large numbers of visitors for its tea estates, green landscapes and scenic viewpoints.
The hill station is also a popular filming location, with Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi films frequently capturing its mist-covered mountains and natural beauty.
Shooting in horticultural parks across the Nilgiris is permitted on payment of fees, subject to approval from the Director of Horticulture in Chennai.
The fee is ₹50,000 for locations such as the Government Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Arboretum, while tea garden locations are priced at ₹25,000. These sites are often featured in films for their exotic trees, manicured lawns, glass houses and vibrant flower displays.
The Nilgiris summer season, spanning April and May, draws lakhs of tourists from across the State and beyond, with flower shows and exhibitions organised as part of the annual festivities.
In view of the heavy tourist inflow, a seasonal ban on film shooting has been enforced for the past few years in the Botanical Garden during this period.
From Wednesday, the restriction has been extended to eight horticultural parks in the district, including the Botanical Garden and Sims Park.
Horticulture Department Joint Director Navaneetha said that tourist numbers are expected to rise significantly during the season. Flowering plants have been laid out along walkways, and the restriction aims to prevent damage to plants and avoid inconvenience to visitors.
He added that film shooting will not be permitted in these parks during April, May and June.