In a crackdown on illegal homestays amid rising concerns over tourist safety in Kodagu, the Tourism Department has warned of stringent legal action against operators running establishments without official registration.

The department has directed all homestay owners in Kodagu district to compulsorily register their properties through the official tourism portal before continuing operations. Authorities warned that homestays functioning without valid approval would face action under the Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015.

The move comes as Kodagu, one of the State’s leading tourist destinations, witnesses a sharp increase in private accommodations catering to tourists, many of which are allegedly operating without regulatory supervision.

Tourism officials stated that both existing and new homestays must obtain registration from the Department of Tourism, and only approved properties would be listed on the department’s official website. Operators have also been instructed to prominently display registration and licence certificates at the entrance of the premises.

As part of stricter safety measures, installation of round-the-clock CCTV surveillance with the mandatory storage of footage for 30 days has been made compulsory. Homestay owners have also been directed to conduct police background verification of employees and maintain detailed guest registers containing names, addresses, mobile numbers, and vehicle details of visitors.

In the case of foreign tourists, operators must verify passports and visas and submit the guest information to the police through the prescribed ‘C Form’ mechanism.

Operators have also been instructed to ensure cleanliness, fire safety, proper waste segregation, and eco-friendly practices, including a ban on burning plastic waste, according to a press release.

Homestay owners have additionally been asked to ensure that guests do not create a nuisance or inconvenience neighbours, and to immediately inform the police in case of any suspicious or illegal activities on the property.

Also, authorities said inspection teams would conduct surprise checks to verify guest registers, employee records, and CCTV footage, and the owners are expected to cooperate fully during these inspections.

The Tourism Department has appealed to the public to support the drive against illegal homestays in Kodagu by reporting unauthorised operations to the department or the local police.

Details can be shared with the deputy director, Tourism Department, Stuart Hill Road, Madikeri-01. Phone: 08272-200519. E-mail: ddkodagutourism@gmail.com. Details can also be shared with the office of the Superintendent of Police, Kodagu: 08272-229000. Email: dcmcr@ksp.gov.in or spmcr@ksp.gov.in