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Madras High Court Mandates E-pass for Nilgiris and Kodaikanal Entry during Summer
In a recent ruling, the Madras High Court has mandated the requirement of electronic passes (e-passes) for all motor vehicles entering the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal between May 7 and June 30. The decision aims to facilitate the collection of crucial data regarding tourist influx during the summer season.
The court emphasized that there would be no limit on e-pass issuance, with exemptions granted to residents. Collectors of Nilgiris and Dindigul have been directed to ensure widespread awareness of the e-pass system.
Additionally, the court suggested integrating a payment gateway to the e-pass system to enable online toll payments, thereby reducing congestion at check posts and minimizing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The initiative was proposed by Justice N. Sathish Kumar, drawing inspiration from similar measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court aims to utilize the e-pass system for gathering authentic data on tourist visits without imposing stringent entry restrictions.
Expressing concern over the heavy traffic influx, the court noted the challenges posed to local wildlife, particularly elephants. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy also highlighted the severe drought in the Nilgiris and raised questions about water availability for both tourists and residents.
The data collected through the e-pass system will aid scientific studies conducted by experts from renowned institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M), to determine the carrying capacity of ghat roads.
This initiative underscores the court`s commitment to balancing tourism promotion with environmental conservation and sustainable development in the picturesque hill stations of Nilgiris and Kodaikanal.
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