Madikeri: Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy has decided officials to allow only ‘yellow board’ vehicles at one of the district’s prominent tourist destinations, Mandalpatti.
Addressing the Mandalpatti committee members and concerned officials at her office on Wednesday, November 27, she said, “Only yellow board vehicles will be allowed to enter Mandalpatti and the drivers must follow the norms laid down by the committee. It is the responsibility of the committee and the district administration to ensure that tourists do not experience any confusion. Yellow board vehicles must avail an identity card from the regional transport office and tourism department.”
Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar asked the Panchayat Raj members and police officials to install speed breakers and CCTV cameras at the spot.
“An inspector should be appointed by this weekend, in order to inspect the vehicles entering Mandalpatti. Drinking and driving is illegal and hence, if the drivers are found drunk, their driving license (DL) should be cancelled,” she said.
Deputy Forest Conservator Prabhakar said, “The vehicles entering Mandalpatti will be charged Rs 50 and each tourist will be charged Rs 25 by the forest department. If the vehicles are parked near the gate at the destination, the Panchayat Raj Department will charge Rs 25 for four-wheelers and Rs 15 for two-wheelers. Either one (Panchayat Raj or the forest department) will collect the fees.”
DySP Dinesh Kumar said that the vehicles can be parked at the Madikeri and Galibeedu gram panchayats.
Fire Department officer P Chandan suggested that a mini fire extinguisher be placed in the vehicles for safety.
Committee members Dhananjay and Thomas discussed various other aspects and request applications submitted by the drivers.
Several officials and committee members were present at the meet.
