Our state often lags behind in utilizing the natural resources provided by nature. The best examples of this can be seen everywhere. The current deplorable state of Kovalam, a destination on the global tourism map for over five decades, highlights the severity and scale of our disregard for nature. Although tourism is a major contributor to the state's revenue, popular tourist destinations like Kovalam continue to suffer from neglect. Nevertheless, lakhs of tourists visit Kerala every year, drawn by its natural beauty and pleasant climate. Kovalam is a world-renowned tourist destination. During the tourist season, domestic and international travellers flock to this scenic spot. However, Kovalam's current state is far from encouraging. Despite Thiruvananthapuram being ranked among the top 10 most popular destinations in the world by prominent travel group Sky Scanner, the city's tourist spots have failed to develop or provide basic amenities to cater to visitors' needs.

The reluctance to undertake renovation projects with a long-term vision is the main reason for the decline of tourist destinations like Kovalam. Anyways, the Tourism Department is now preparing to implement a new action plan for the comprehensive development of Kovalam. The tender for this project will be opened on the 24th of this month. The tourism department's renovation project comes in the context of the Kovalam masterplan remaining only on paper. Priority will be given to repairing damaged walkways, replacing non-functional streetlights, installing toilets, and implementing safety measures like diaphragm walls. The current deplorable state of Kovalam has led to a sharp drop in tourist footfall.

The income of all sectors, including the Tourism Department, has taken a hit due to this situation. Business establishments, hotels, and those engaged in tourism-related jobs, rental vehicles, and others have experienced a significant decline in earnings. Normally, the tourist season in Kovalam begins in November. Swift completion of tender procedures is crucial for finishing renovation works ahead of the tourist season. Kovalam is not the only tourism centre in Thiruvananthapuram that is facing a major downfall. The current state of Shankhumugham Beach, where tens of thousands of people come to spend their evenings daily, is painful to witness. Despite multiple phases of extensive renovation works, the beach and surrounding areas that were damaged in the coastal erosion five years ago remain in a severely dilapidated condition. Over the past five years, crores of rupees have been spent on renovating Shankhumugham Beach, but it has yielded no benefits. Instead, the beach has become even more distorted.

The cliffs of Varkala have been crumbling one by one for several years. Yet, the authorities have not taken effective measures to protect the remaining ones. The protection of the surviving cliffs should have been prioritized as soon as the first one crumbled. This is a reflection of the gross negligence in preserving the remnants of nature. Providing the best facilities for tourists is part of our culture. It’s not just about revenue but also about fostering cultural exchange. Thiruvananthapuram is one of the regions blessed abundantly by nature, offering all necessary amenities. The true skill lies in preserving its unique essence without losing its natural charm. Our state has numerous tourist attractions. The Tourism Department must ensure their proper maintenance. Tourists are not at all impressed by the fact that basic facilities at these centres often lie in disrepair.