Despite, e-pass restriction, tourists flock to Ooty, Yercaud

Although e-pass system continues for people visiting these hill stations, the easing down of norms has led many to flock the hills to cool off after grueling months in lockdown. Hundreds of vehicles started lining up at the foothills of Yercaud from Sunday morning to journey upward.

A team of police involved in screening vehicles entering the hills had a tough time as people started quarrelling with the police after they were turned away for coming without e-passes. Indeed, many had come not knowing that the e-pass system continues to be in vogue for visiting the hill stations.

The situation turned tense for a while with many without e-pass refusing to go back and insisting the police to let them go up the hills. Senior police officials intervened, held talks and convinced them to return.

Officials agreed that hundreds of vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers had gone up the hills on Sunday afternoon alone after availing e-pass.

Similar was the situation in The Nilgiris, where several groups of tourists were spotted taking photos along the Coonoor to Ooty stretch.

Despite a ban on tourism, people avail e-pass to visit the hills by giving fake reasons and under the cover of business purposes. Though the tourist spots continue to remain shut, people come over to enjoy the salubrious climatic condition in the hills.