Poor traffic flow in Cauvery is affecting tourism in Hogenakkal

DHARMAPURI: The suspension of coracle rides in the Cauvery due to renovation of the ghats and inadequate water flow has kept tourists away from Hogenakkal, leading to loss of livelihood for attraction operators and local traders.

Hogenakkal is one of the major tourist destinations in Dharmapuri district and attracts thousands of people here during summer. However, this year, poor flow in the river and lack of coracle operations due to the renovation works have deterred tourists from visiting the river. Businesses have reported that “the influx of tourists has drastically decreased and they are suffering huge losses.”

Prabhu, district secretary of the skippers and chefs association, told TNIE: “Coracle operations have been suspended since February, leaving 428 registered coracle operators out of work. Even if operations resume, we will face losses this year. because there is no traffic in Hogenakkal. We had over 10,000 people here this time last year. But now there are only about 3,000, even on Sundays. More than 20,000 people usually come on weekends.

Prabhu added, “Usually a coracle ride costs Rs 1,500 (for four people) and the operator would earn around Rs 1,300 and Rs 200 would be spent on the life jacket. We only make a profit during the summer. But this year our situation is bad. We hope to get some kind of help from the Dharmapuri government.”

K Angammal, a chef from Hogenakkal, said, “We have 350 registered chefs in Hogenakkal and this year is by far the worst. Normally we wouldn’t be able to rest as we would get orders all the time. Now if we receive an even dozen It’s a wonder that our livelihood has been seriously affected. One of the main reasons for the decline in tourism is the lack of water in the Cauvery.

R Mariappan, a shopkeeper, said, “Cottages, hotels and eateries have all been affected. We mainly receive only local tourists. Usually we receive people from Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and other states. But this year, apart from the local tourists, there are very few people.”
Tourism department officials said, “Poor flow in the Cauvery is the reason for low number of tourists. As for coracle operations, they will be allowed by the end of the week. We are hopeful that tourist visits will increase in the coming weeks.”