THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The tourism department is grossly lax in providing the necessary infrastructure for tourists at Kovalam Beach, which is an international tourist destination. With the season set to begin next month, no necessary measures have been taken yet. Tourism department is not ready to give Kovalam Beach the importance it deserves, despite the large number of tourists coming from within and outside the country.
Infrastructural facilities at Lighthouse and Hawa Beach, which are the most frequented by tourists including foreigners, are poor. The 600-meter-long walkway on the beach has collapsed in many places due to the rough sea. The handrail installed for the safety of people on the footpath was broken over a length of 50 meters.
No light at night
The tourism department had installed 70 solar street lights on both the beaches but now less than ten are working. If there is no sunlight, the street lights will not work. Local residents say that the street lights will not burn if it rains for two days. If one complains to KSEB about the street lights, they will dismiss it saying that the responsibility lies with the tourism department. Most of the resorts operate behind the beach.
No toilets
There are two toilets at Lighthouse and Hawa beaches. The toilet at Lighthouse Beach owned by DTPC is locked. The toilet at Hawa Beach is privately owned. After the specified time, the operators will lock the toilet. There are two mobile toilets near the Kovalam bus stand but they are non-functional. The only relief is the toilet on the road to Grove Beach.
75 lakh worth building remaining unused
A few years ago, a two-storey building was constructed near the Kovalam government guest house at a cost of Rs 75 lakh to start a restaurant and beer parlour. Kadakampally Surendran, who was then the Minister of Tourism, has already inaugurated the building but it is not operational yet.
93 crore project on paper
A 93-crore project to renovate beaches in Kovalam and nearby areas was approved by the cabinet in February, but construction work is yet to begin. The only information received from the Directorate of Tourism is that the file for the project is being processed.
Need new projects
Local residents say that the coastal area of the beach should be developed to attract more tourists to Kovalam. Vehicle parking facilities should be provided under the leadership of the government. Medical aid posts including doctors and ambulances should also be set up.
'93 crore project has been given financial sanction. The construction work is to be carried out by Wapcos, an organization under the Central Government entrusted by the Department of Tourism.
the money as soon as the bill arrives.
-KIIFB, Thiruvananthapuram Office
"The implementation of projects without conducting scientific studies leads to the problem. Kovalam's tourism potential will increase if development activities are carried out scientifically.
P Somarajan
Wilson Tourist Home Operator-Kerala Tourist Employees Union,
(CITU) District Secretary