Tussle between villagers and forest department shuts down India's canopy walk

BENGALURU: The first canopy walk of India in the Western Ghats, the facility which is located at a height of 30ft near Kuveshi Castle Rock in Uttara Kannada district, has been shut for more than a month. Due to the ongoing tussle between local villagers and the forest department regarding the aof an approach road which takes the visitors to the spot.

Anikethan C, the manager at the Kali Adventure Camp of Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR),  which operates the 240-metre canopy walk, said that they are not taking any bookings for now. He also said they are holding talks with the forest department and are hoping that the issue will be resolved soon.

An official of the forest department has said that the road from Kuveshi passes through some villages and its people want the government to asphalt it. “But, there are some restrictions for asphalting the stretch as it passes through forest. Villagers have blocked the road.”

Tall trees in the Western Ghats are connected to each other which forms a canopy, allowing the visitors to explore and relish the bounty of the nature. Visitors are charged Rs 450 per person for entry and Rs 200 for transportation.