SHANGUMUGHAM: Although the vacation season has occasioned more people to visit the beaches of the capital city, the lack of basic facilities here is an issue. Tourist centers such as Shangumugham Beach, Veli Tourist Village, Valiyathura Bridge, and the beach adjacent to Vettukad Church are crowded. Families with children visit the beaches even in the afternoon. However, there are widespread complaints that basic facilities are not available on the beaches.

Anti-social harassment

The harassment by anti-social elements and stray dogs is severe at tourist centers, regardless of whether it is night or day. The lack of regular police patrols and the lack of street lights on the beach at night are helping these anti-social groups. The reason for the increased nuisance of stray dogs is the garbage from the city being thrown away on the shore at night.

No security

There is no security for tourists arriving at Veli Tourist Village. A few days ago, a 10-year-old child's head got stuck in the floating bridge. If many tourists board the platform of the floating bridge, the structure begins to shake. Earlier, security personnel were deployed on the bridge. Now, tourists are crossing this bridge without any assistant. There is no lifeguard service at Veli Pozhikkara, where the sea and the backwater meet.

Kiddie train and boating

Those arriving at Veli Tourist Village would be mostly enthusiastic for the kiddie train and boating. Due to lack of proper maintenance, the train often doesn’t run. If the water hyacinth plants aren’t removed from the backwaters, the boat service cannot function.

The bridge also collapsed

The Valiyathura sea bridge split into two, which was a setback for tourists. Those arriving here have to witness the deplorable condition of the bridge and return.