Film craze puts Seegigudda under pressure, visitor curbs likely

Hassan: Seegigudda, a scenic hill near Hassan that featured in the Kannada blockbuster Premada Oorali, is witnessing a massive influx of visitors, prompting authorities to consider restricting public access to the area.

The film’s popularity has transformed the shooting location into a major attraction, drawing crowds over the past three weeks. The sudden surge has created problems for the district administration, particularly because the hill is situated within a reserve forest and lacks basic facilities to handle large numbers of tourists.

Seegigudda is located near Seeg village, approximately 15 km from Hassan. The hill is also home to the well-known Male Malleshwara temple, which has traditionally received devotees in relatively smaller numbers. Following the film’s success, however, thousands of people are reportedly visiting the area, resulting in heavy vehicle movement and traffic congestion.

The narrow road leading to the hill has become a major concern. Visitors have also complained about insufficient parking facilities and the absence of drinking water and public toilets. Revenue department officials, including the deputy commissioner, visited the location after receiving complaints.

The revenue department subsequently wrote to the forest department, as the land falls under its jurisdiction. Officials have noted that developing roads, parking areas and other amenities inside a reserve forest would require government permission under applicable forest conservation regulations.

Wildlife protection is another major concern. The area is known to have leopards and bears, and officials fear that uncontrolled crowds could disturb the animals and increase the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Restricting entry has therefore been suggested as a preventive measure.

Hassan taluk tahsildar Geetha said the forest department’s report had been submitted to the deputy commissioner for consideration. The final decision would be taken by senior officials, she said.

Seegigudda’s sudden popularity has put the authorities in a difficult position: while the film has brought renewed attention to the natural destination, the lack of infrastructure and risks associated with a reserve forest have raised questions about allowing unrestricted public access.

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