( Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. Udhagamandalam is the older and official Tamil name for the town. Ooty stands at an approximate height of 9,080 feet (2,767 m) above sea level. )

Located in the mountainous range called the Blue Mountains or Nilgiris, Ooty draws a large number of tourists every year. One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers

Polluting Beauty

Though, over the years, the Nilgiris(Udhagamandalam or Ooty) has become one of the leading tourist centres in the country, unplanned promotion of tourism has increased pressure on the infrastructural facilities, the development of which has not been commensurate with the growing demand. 

The problem has been further aggravated with a considerable increase in the number of tourists who are either not aware of or indifferent to the ecologically fragile nature of the hilly district.



Showing scant regard to cleanliness, tourists eat in public places and convert roads, including the main approach to popular spots like the Government Botanical Garden, the Ooty lake and Dodabetta peak into public conveniences.



In the process a foul smell emanates from many places, the roads and footpaths are heavily littered, garbage bins overflow and storm water drains choke with used disposable plates, cups and banana leaves. Especially during weekends the town wears a bruised and battered look.

 

Local People are expecting the officials to start a campaign. Green campaigners were also conspicuous by their absence.

It is the moral responsibilty of everyone of us to enjoy the nature in its own shape with little care and reagrd, so that our future generations can enjoy the Gifts....