Udhagamandalam (Tamil Nadu): Commercial establishments remained shut, and auto-rickshaws along with tourist taxis stayed off the roads in Ooty on Wednesday in protest against the recently introduced e-pass system. Implemented in accordance with a court directive, the system aims to regulate vehicular movement in the region. The shutdown caused significant inconvenience to tourists, who reported steep hikes in hotel and food prices.

With hotels and restaurants closed as part of the protest, visitors struggled to find accommodation and meals. Many were seen lining up at Amma Canteens—state-run outlets named after former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa that offer food at subsidized rates. Meanwhile, roadside vendors took the opportunity to set up temporary stalls to cater to the demand.

Moulana, a tourist from Kerala, expressed concern over the soaring costs. "The hotel that rented me a room for ₹5,000 till Tuesday is now demanding ₹15,000," he claimed, calling for a system to regulate hotel tariffs.

Local resident Rajesh also pointed out the inflated rates for food and accommodation, adding that the e-pass requirement could impact businesses in the Nilgiris during the peak holiday season.

However, some supported the initiative. Sukumaran, secretary of a local tea farmers' association, welcomed the move, stating, "It will help in ensuring smooth flow of vehicular traffic and avoid pile-ups."

The protest led to a complete shutdown in several parts of the Nilgiris district, including Ooty, Kotagiri, Gudalur, and Pandalur. Shopowners and tourist vehicle operators demanded the immediate withdrawal of the e-pass system, arguing that it was threatening their livelihoods.

Under the new rule, visitors traveling in private vehicles must apply for an e-pass in advance through a government portal. The Madras High Court had mandated this measure for Ooty and Kodaikanal to manage the growing number of vehicles entering these popular hill destinations during summer.

Effective from April 1, the system caps vehicle entry into the Nilgiris at 6,000 on weekdays and 8,000 on weekends. However, government buses, goods carriers, emergency vehicles, and those registered in the Nilgiris district are exempted from the requirement.

PTI