I love Kodagu, my ancestral land, where my forefathers lived and fought for their freedom and dignity. It is a land of beauty, where the misty hills, the green forests, the fragrant coffee and the majestic river, Kaveri, enchant the senses. it is a land of culture where the kodavas, my people have preserved their unique tradition, customs and martial arts, for centuries.
But I have also seen how tourism has changed Kodagu, over the years and not always for the better. it has harmed the environment and biodiversity of Kodagu. The forest land and the water sources have been taken over by the resorts, hotels, homestays and roads that cater to the tourists. Deforestation, sand mining and dams have degraded and endangered the river, Kaveri.
I have observed how the socio-cultural fabric and identity of Kodagu has eroded with commercialization and denial of our due rights and facilities. Thus, our traditions and rituals are distorted and diluted, making me fear us losing our heritage and identity, as kodavas, in our own land. Also, looking from the perspective of economic benefits, tourism revenue has gone to the outside players, who own or operate the resorts, hotels, homestays and travel agencies, while we the local people, struggle to compete with the imported goods and services that cater to the tourists' demands.
My desire is for a more sustainable tourism development in Kodagu that respects the environment and people, of the region, thus, censuring their empowerment.
What is your suggestion towards this deliberation?
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