HASSAN: The growing popularity of Kannada film Premada Oorali has transformed Seegigudda, near Hassan, into a crowded tourist destination, prompting the district administration to examine visitor safety and environmental concerns. Authorities are considering restricting public access to the hill, which lies within a reserve forest and is home to wildlife, including leopards and bears.
Located near Seeg village, around 15 km from Hassan city, Seegigudda has attracted a surge of visitors over the past few weeks after several scenes from the film were shot in the area. The sudden rise in footfall has raised concerns over traffic congestion, inadequate facilities and the impact of large crowds on the sensitive forest ecosystem.
Film success brings a surge in visitors
The scenic surroundings of Seegigudda and the popular Male Malleshwara temple have become major attractions for fans of Premada Oorali. Visitors are travelling to the hill to see the locations featured in the film, take photographs and experience the landscape in person.
The temple had previously drawn devotees, but the film’s popularity has brought substantially larger crowds, particularly on weekends and holidays. Reports from the area have highlighted long queues of vehicles on the narrow approach road, with congestion affecting both visitors travelling uphill and those returning.
The growing popularity has put pressure on the area’s limited infrastructure. Visitors have reportedly raised concerns about the lack of parking space, drinking water and toilet facilities.
District officials inspect the site
Following complaints about congestion and visitor facilities, district and revenue officials inspected the area. The administration is examining how the increasing number of visitors can be managed without compromising public safety or damaging the surrounding environment.
The narrow road leading to the hill has become a particular concern, as vehicles entering and leaving the area must share limited space. Heavy traffic can delay movement and complicate access for emergency vehicles if an incident occurs.
The sudden increase in visitors has also raised questions about whether the location can safely accommodate large crowds without additional facilities and a regulated entry system.
Forest department flags environmental risks
Since Seegigudda falls within a reserve forest, the revenue department has reportedly written to the forest department seeking appropriate action. Officials have pointed out that developing roads, parking areas and other visitor facilities inside a protected forest requires the necessary government permissions under applicable forest conservation laws.
The forest department has reportedly recommended restricting public entry because large crowds could disturb wildlife and increase the risk of encounters between people and animals.
The area is understood to support wildlife, including leopards and bears. Unregulated movement, noise and crowding could create risks for visitors as well as animals. Authorities are therefore considering preventive measures to avoid an accident and limit disturbance to the forest.
Any decision on access is expected to take into account the site’s status as a protected forest, the safety of visitors and the importance of conserving the natural habitat.
Final decision rests with senior officials
Hassan taluk tahsildar Geetha said the forest department’s report had been brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner. A decision on the next course of action would be taken by senior officials, she said.
As of October 26, a final decision on restricting entry had not been announced in the reports available. The possibility of access restrictions remains under consideration.
The issue presents a challenge for the administration: Seegigudda’s new-found popularity has increased public interest in the location, but the area has limited infrastructure and is part of a sensitive forest landscape.
Balancing tourism with conservation
The situation at Seegigudda highlights how the popularity of a film can quickly turn a relatively quiet location into a tourist hotspot. While visitors are keen to see the scenery and temple featured in Premada Oorali, authorities must ensure that tourism does not compromise safety, wildlife protection or legal restrictions on forest land.
Until the administration announces its decision, visitors should check local advisories before travelling to the hill and follow any instructions issued by the forest and district authorities.