With its lush natural greenery and a pleasant climate throughout the year, Yelagiri hill in Thirupathur district stands as one of Tamil Nadu’s leading tourist destinations. Since thousands of tourists visit here every year, integrated and intensive measures are needed in environmental and water-resource protection, waste management, telecommunication facilities, and the livelihood development of the hill-dwelling people.
Key resolutions at the general meeting
Considering this, the state general body meeting of the Tamil Nadu Hotels Association and the Thirupathur District Hotels Association was held at AGS Holiday Resorts on Yelagiri hill. The meeting, presided over by Thirupathur District Hotels Association president A.G.S. Senthil Murugan, was attended by Tamil Nadu Hotels Association state president M. Venkatasubbu, who delivered a special address. Former minister K.C. Veeramani and Ananthayam Resort owner A.P. Nandakumar also took part as special invitees. At this meeting, attended by hotel owners from across Tamil Nadu, nine key resolutions were unanimously passed to improve the tourism sector in Thirupathur district and ensure the economic progress of the hill-dwelling people.
Green tourism and world-class infrastructure development
To transform Yelagiri hill into Tamil Nadu’s foremost green tourism destination, modern infrastructure that preserves ecological balance must be built, and a state-of-the-art ‘Material Recovery Facility’ (MRF) must be set up to scientifically segregate and recycle plastic and solid waste — the main cause of degradation of the hill’s beauty — right from the source. Modern waste-management machinery should also be deployed to handle and recycle waste promptly. Speaking on this, Tirupathur District Hotels Association district president A. Senthil Murugan said, “The municipalities in Tirupathur district could collect the waste generated by restaurants and convert it into electricity, natural gas or organic manure for reuse. This would also significantly increase revenue for the municipalities.”
Proper transport facilities
Although the number of tourists coming to enjoy the beauty of Yelagiri hill has been rising in recent times, the lack of proper and adequate transport facilities is greatly affecting tourism growth. To keep pace with the influx of tourists, ease traffic congestion and ensure safe travel, eco-friendly alternative transport services should be introduced. A request has been made to the government to arrange daily state bus services to Yelagiri hill from the district headquarters of Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri. On this, Thirupathur District Hotels Association district treasurer V. Kumaraguru said, “Although Yelagiri hill is a major tourist spot in the district, there is no transport service during night hours. This is a major reason why tourism at Yelagiri hill continues to suffer.”
Jalakandapuram – Elagiri ropeway project
To accelerate tourism growth in Thirupathur district, it is essential to upgrade its infrastructure to world-class standards. Beyond simply increasing public transport services, the government should set up a ‘Rope Car’ (aerial ropeway) facility connecting Yelagiri hill to Jalakandapuram waterfalls, so as to draw a much larger number of tourists. At present, travelling by road from Yelagiri hill’s Nilavoor to Jalakandapuram waterfalls covers a distance of about 35 km. Hotel owners point out that implementing this ropeway project would cut the distance between the two locations to just 2 km. This would substantially reduce travel time while also giving tourists a thrilling experience of taking in the natural scenery along the way. Speaking on this, Yelagiri Hotels Association president Peter said, “In earlier years, paragliding services were very well received by tourists. If that service is introduced at Yelagiri hill too, the number of visitors will rise considerably.”
A catering college should be established
Just as much importance is given to tourism development in Thirupathur district, the government must also take sustained steps to raise the standard of living and economic status of the hill-dwelling people of Elagiri. Growth in the tourism sector should directly benefit the livelihoods of local residents. To secure a steady income for hill-dwelling and tribal communities, the government should create lasting employment opportunities for them in handicrafts, natural farming, self-employment and small-scale industries. Furthermore, to help local youth excel and find employment in the tourism and hospitality industry, a new Catering College should be set up in Elagiri, he demanded.
Integrated Development Board
Just as much importance is given to tourism development in Thirupathur district, the government must also take sustained steps to raise the standard of living and economic status of the hill-dwelling people of Yelagiri. Growth in the tourism sector should directly benefit the livelihoods of local residents. To secure a steady income for hill-dwelling and tribal communities, the government should create lasting employment opportunities for them in handicrafts, natural farming, self-employment and small-scale industries. Furthermore, to help local youth excel and find employment in the tourism and hospitality industry, a new Catering College should be set up in Yelagiri, he demanded.
