Cab operators and drivers laid a siege to forest office here on Wednesday, condemning “autocratic” behaviour of forest staff and demanding reduction in entry fees for tourists vehicles going to Berijam lake.
They also appealed to open the check-post on Goshan Road between 6 a.m and 6 p.m.
The cab operators strongly protested the “unruly” behaviour of temporary staff appointed by the forest department to protect the environment.
Later, Assistant Conservator of Forests Balakrishnan and police officials assured to consider their demand. Later, the operators postponed their agitation temporarily.
Removal of barricade at Moyar point for smooth flow of traffic was among their other demands.
Revenue officials sealed 10 lodges that have more than 60 rooms in Kodaikanal on the same day as they were unapproved and unauthorised. The officials said severe action would be initiated against lodges running illegally.
Local people complained to Collector T.G. Vinay during a special meeting on summer festival on Tuesday that thousands of lodges had been functioning without any approval. Such unauthorised lodges should be closed immediately, the appealed.
On his instructions, the officials sealed such lodges at Pamparpuram and Kodaikanal Observatory areas. The raid would continue in other lodges within the town limit, they added.
