Cyclone deals a body blow to tourism activities in three coastal districts

Official sources in the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation have confirmed that tourist arrivals in Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts has reduced with no signs of recovery at least for the next few weeks. 

“There are several temples in Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts, attracting foreign and domestic visitors in large numbers. But with roads and infrastructure damaged, local tour operators are now refraining from taking bookings,” M Mani, a Tiruchy-based tour operator, said.

Meanwhile, Forest Department sources said bird sanctuaries in Vaduvur and Udayamarthandapuram, both located in Tiruvarur district, have been badly hit. The approach roads to Muthupet lagoon and Point Calimere wildlife sanctuary in Nagapattinam district have also been left in tatters.

“In case of the famous hill retreat of Kodaikanal, the situation is even worse. At least two ranges of the Kodaikanal wildlife sanctuary have been ravaged by Gaja. Landslides are posing difficulties for the foresters to maintain the eco-tourism spots,” a Department official said. 

“Kodaikanal is deserted and the heavy rainfall forecast for the next three days has forced the department to close fragile connective roads till this weekend,” he added.

When contacted, Tamil Nadu Tourism Department Joint Director P Pushparaj told DT Next that local civic officials are involved in the restoration of tourism spots. 

The total damage will be enumerated by the local municipal officials and the district collectorate officials will monitor the restoration efforts. “We will know the impact only after some time, but as of now there has been no major tour cancellation,” he said.