Long considered to be among the most scenic parts of the Blue Mountains, the good number of dams that dot the hills are high on the list of features which the people of the district take considerable pride in. One can see them from a specified distance but not take photographs. Their misuse is frowned upon not only by those in charge of their maintenance, but also the residents of the district.
Regrettably, of late, the tendency particularly among tourists to convert many of them into picnic spots has become a serious source of concern.
With the tourist season now in progress a demand to step up security near the dams has started gathering ground, especially among environmentalists.
Speaking to The Hindu, some of them pointed out that the dams were protected areas and wondered how unauthorised persons were allowed to go near them.
Stating that all of them were multipurpose facilities, they said that they not only benefit the Nilgiris but also many areas in the plains. Lamentably, they were being polluted and littered heavily by tourists.
