With the rising cases of Covid 19 all across India, Tamil Nadu government has banned tourism in some of the major tourist spots. However, some of the tourist guides and operators have blocked the highway in protest.
Tourist Guides Depend On Tourism Sectors For Livelihood Amidst Ban
As per the latest reports, the Tamil Nadu government has banned tourism in some of the major tourist spots of Kodaikanal and Nilgiris to curb the spread of the pandemic virus. However, some of the tourist guides and operators have showed concerns over the tourism ban.
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Kaliyappan, a tourist guide and has spent over two decades in the industry spoke to the media and said that they understand the rising numbers in Covid cases. But government should allow the tourist flow with necessary precautions. He said that the ban affects their livelihood and he has no idea as to how to protect his family which includes three children, wife and old parents.
He added that this is his only income and a lot of others are also dependent on this sector.
Tamil Nadu Borders Are Open For Trade And Medical Services
Nilgiris District Collector J. Innocent Divya said that the borders are not closed. People are allowed to travel for medical and trade purposes. If the travellers have relevant papers, they will be allowed to enter the state. The collector also said that all the essential services are allowed within the state.
She clarified that special team will be deployed at the border to keep a check on the documents that the travellers carry with them. She said that the ban is for the tourists but people travelling for trade and medical purposes are allowed to enter Tamil Nadu.
Jalaludin, a tourist taxi driver at the Kodaikanal said that the ban is unfortunate. He said that had slowly started to recover from the 2020 lockdown and the latest ban by the Tamil Nadu government at Nilgiri and Kodaikanal further adds to the loss.
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He requested the government to allow tourists with all the Covid 19 safety protocols.
As per the latest reports, Tamil Nadu reported a total of 10,941 Covid 19 cases on Monday. Along with 44 deaths in 24 hours. At the same time, 6172 patients were discharged.
