The Karnataka Forest Department has banned tourist entry to Patla Betta, a hill station in Sakleshpur taluk, Hassan district, following an attack on a tourist by local vehicle drivers. The altercation arose from tourists using private vehicles to access the hilltop, sparking conflicts with local drivers. Located 40 km from Sakleshpur town, Patla Betta has become a hotspot for such disputes.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Sourab Kumar announced that the department is devising strategies to protect the environment and resolve these frequent clashes. Plans include implementing guidelines for tourists and conducting a joint survey with the tourism department. Future initiatives may also involve introducing an online booking system for visitors.
The recent incident involved a tourist from Subramanya in Dakshina Kannada district who was assaulted by locals for using his own vehicle to visit the hill station. The Yesaluru police have registered a case against four individuals. Local villagers claim that such altercations are common but often go unreported due to fear of retribution.
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has requested a detailed report on the incident from the DCF. Deputy Commissioner C Satyabhama stated that the district administration plans to develop Patla Betta as a tourist destination with local involvement. Senior officials from the forest and tourism departments have been tasked with proposing development plans that include basic amenities without disturbing the forest ecosystem.
Ravikumar, a resident of Patla village, criticized tourists for damaging the hill station with their vehicles and advocated for stricter guidelines and local authority management of the area.