Karnataka’s Bold Plans To Manage Kodagu’s Over-Tourism Crisis Focus On Eco-Friendly Solutions To Preserve Wildlife And Protect India’s Western Ghats

Published on November 13, 2025

Karnataka is taking significant steps to address the growing over-tourism crisis in Kodagu, a region that has reached its environmental limits. With annual tourist numbers far exceeding the area’s sustainable capacity, the state aims to introduce e-passes and restore 500 hectares of forest land to protect its fragile ecosystem. The rise in human-wildlife conflicts and increased climate vulnerability of local plantations further underline the urgent need for regulation. These measures are essential not only to preserve Kodagu’s natural beauty but also to ensure its long-term environmental health, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable tourism across India.

Over-tourism in Kodagu has become a growing issue, contributing significantly to the rising number of man-animal conflicts in the region. Known as the “Scotland of India” for its scenic landscapes, Kodagu attracts around 1.3 million tourists annually, far exceeding the region’s sustainable capacity. This surge in tourism has put immense pressure on the local ecosystem, particularly on the plantations, which are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change.

As tourism continues to grow, the need for effective management and restrictions has become more urgent. One of the key recommendations made in the “Report on Assessing the Carrying Capacity of the Western Ghats in Karnataka – September 2025 (Revised)” is the introduction of e-passes for tourists. This would not only help manage the volume of visitors but also enable the restoration of approximately 500 hectares of forest land and encourage agroforestry practices. These measures are crucial to ensuring that the region’s environmental health is not compromised further.

The report, which was submitted to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, also highlights other environmental challenges across the state, including the increasing vulnerability of Uttara Kannada to landslides. Over the past decade, there have been 439 landslide incidents in the region, driven largely by illegal mining activities and the pressure from ecotourism. To mitigate these risks, the report recommends a complete ban on mining in ecologically sensitive areas and the establishment of checkposts in key locations such as Dandeli, Ankola, and Karwar. Additionally, the creation of an early warning system for landslides is considered essential to reduce the potential for catastrophic events.

The report paints a troubling picture of the environmental degradation in Kodagu, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru, which have been the sites of over 1,000 landslides in the past decade. These landslides have caused significant economic losses, estimated at around Rs 350 crore since 2014. The increasing number of homestays and resorts around forest areas has been identified as a major factor contributing to the rise in man-animal conflicts. In many cases, these developments have come up without proper coordination between the tourism, forest, and district administrations, exacerbating the situation.

The rapid development of infrastructure, including roads, highways, and hydropower projects, is also cited as a major cause of escalating human-wildlife conflicts. The report specifically points to the rising trekking pressure in Mullayanagiri and Kudremukh, which have seen 193 landslides in the past five years alone. To address these issues, it suggests stricter traffic regulations in Shivamogga, particularly around pilgrimage sites like Madeveshwaramalai, and calls for urgent action to resolve conflicts related to hydropower projects.

Despite a ban on granting new permissions for the construction and operation of homestays and resorts over the past three years, the report notes an alarming increase in such establishments. This indicates that violations of existing regulations are taking place, which need to be addressed promptly.

To improve the regulation of tourism and construction activities in the Western Ghats, the Karnataka State Wildlife Board is being urged to include the Karnataka Western Ghats Conservation Taskforce (KSWGCTF) in its deliberations. The report stresses the need for better coordination between all stakeholders involved in the approval of projects. Often, projects approved by the Wildlife Board and forest clearance committees face opposition from local communities, making it crucial to involve all parties when referring projects to the Union government and the National Board for Wildlife.

Sources within the state forest department have acknowledged that some projects, which require approval from the Wildlife Board or forest clearance committees, are being divided into smaller segments to bypass scrutiny from the National Board for Wildlife or the public. This loophole needs to be closed, and the report calls for stronger regulations to prevent such practices. The findings from the carrying capacity report are intended to support the development of new guidelines, particularly for green power, electricity, and infrastructure projects, which can have far-reaching effects on the environment.

Ultimately, the Western Ghats, with their unique biodiversity and ecological significance, are at a crossroads. The report’s recommendations for stricter tourism regulations, the restoration of forest land, and improved project oversight are critical steps in preserving the region for future generations. If these measures are implemented effectively, they will help balance the needs of tourism and development with the preservation of the region’s natural heritage.