Business owners protest move to close Kalhatty Ghat Road to tourist vehicles
Business owners in Masinagudi are protesting a court-ordered closure of the Kalhatty Ghat Road to tourist vehicles. Conservationists support the move, citing the need to protect wildlife habitats and reduce roadkill in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
Why it matters
It illustrates the tension between local economic interests and environmental conservation efforts in sensitive ecological zones.
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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in