BELOGIVAVI: With restrictions on the movement raised, people flock to tourist destinations in the state as before, and the victim has become a corresponding behavior of Covid.
Many in the tourism sector this fear can trigger the third wave of infections and other round restrictions.
An official in Shivamogga said footsteps at Jog Falls for the last 19 days were estimated to be more than 62,000, and social distance norms could not be maintained.
Data is available with district administration shows that on Sundays only, 14,444 people visit the Falls.
On weekends, Kodachadri, the peak in West Ghats in the Shivamogga district, saw a wave of more than 2,000 trekkers.
Many vehicles carry passengers outside the allowed limits and many tourists do not bother wearing masks.
In the Kodagu district and Chikkamagaluru, Homestay and the resort can accommodate visitors outside the capacity permitted.
Travel operators call it “Revenge Tourism”.
They said because people were forced to stay in the room during locking, fatigue had set and many wanted changes.
People are now trying to visit every possible place before other locking possibilities.
However, in a hurry, many forget that their actions can trigger the third wave.
Dev Balaji, a Bengaluru-based tour operator, said the homestay welcomed almost everyone who appeared, ignoring the rules.
“Unless the state government states a negative certificate for those who visit tourist destinations, this behavior will continue,” he said.
“Questions have doubled and on weekends, most homestays in the full state.
Most tourists do not follow the Covid-19 protocol and homeestay owners easily ignore to remind the guests.” Rahul Bavaji, the owner of the homestay in Dandeli, admitted the government could order the closure of the tourism sector again if the case of a surge.
To prevent the government from taking drastic action, homestay owners and resorts must be careful, he said.
“I regularly update visitor details to my homestay with district administration.
There are no tourists from Kerala and Maharashtra who do not have a negative certificate entertained,” he said.
He added that tourist owners and operators must ensure guests to comply with the Covid-19 safety protocol.