Kodagu: The Karnataka government has banned New Year celebrations for two days at MG Road, Brigade Road, and all tourist destinations in the state in anticipation of a second wave of COVID-19. For the same reason, the state forest department has also closed the Biligiri Rangana Hill Tiger Reserve to visitors.
Each year, hundreds of tourists flock to the forest department’s guest house at Bandipur and the Biligiri Rangana Tiger Reserve to celebrate the New Year. However, this time, the forest department has decided to put a halt on all celebrations.
On December 31 and January 1, all tourists will be completely banned from travelling to the Tiger Reserve and bookings will also not be entertained.
Hordes of tourists visit the Tiger Reserve and the cottage and dormitories within the premises are fully booked on December 31 every year. This year, however, the forest department has blocked online bookings for two days. The morning and evening safari, according to reports, will continue to operate as usual.
Additionally, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy has banned New Year celebrations in Raja’s seat and has also imposed restrictions on the route. The flower show that was hosted in October last year, has also been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
