The district administration in its letter to all tour operators has said that in the light of the recent unfortunate events of abduction of foreign nationals in the state and after having taken all the factors relating to the security of foreign nationals into consideration, the district administration consciously decides to stop all movement of foreign nationals and tourists in the district's PVTG areas for an indefinite period of time. It further says that the district administration needs to reassess the security situation and that it will take a call on this issue of regulating the movement of foreign nationals and tourists in the district either way. Till that time no permission will be issued to foreign nationals and tourists to visit any part of the district.
This move is likely to hurt the tourism industry in the state, which is already in trouble because of the recent introduction of ban on photography in the PVTG areas of the state. There has been reaction from the tourism industry about this photography ban and a demand for relaxation of norms especially relating to photography as tourist are bound to carry camera to preserve the memories of their visits, say tourism experts.
The district administration however informed that this is a temporary measure and that the security of the foreign guests and other tourists is of paramount importance and any inconvenience that will be caused by this decision of the district administration is a small price to pay, than what could otherwise happen. It has also promised to get back the tourism activity on track as soon as possible in the district.