A bandh was observed by small businesses in Masinagudi over the potential closure of the Kalhatty Ghat Road
| Photo Credit: M. Sathyamoorthy
Small business owners and private safari vehicle operators in Masinagudi, in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), closed their businesses and observed a bandh on Friday (July 10, 2026) in opposition to the imminent closure of the Kalhatty Ghat Road for tourists.The Madras High Court recently passed orders directing that a status report be filed by the State government on why tourist traffic was permitted to ascend the Kalhatty Ghat Road, stating that the stretch must remain closed to tourists until further orders.It may be noted that tourist vehicles are already prohibited from descending the Kalhatty Ghat Road, while the restrictions are less stringent for local vehicles, which are allowed to use the road that cuts through critical tiger and elephant habitats from early morning until evening.The business owners argue that they stand to lose revenue generated from tourists passing through the tiger reserve, though the alternative route, via Gudalur, remains open for all vehicles, and is usually only a 30-minute detour to the tiger reserve.Conservationists have, for years, urged the government to regulate tourism and the increasing traffic passing through the Kalhatty Ghat Road, arguing that disturbances to wildlife as well as roadkills have risen over the past few years due to the same.
