Infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram needs a facelift

Thursday, November 28, 2019

In spite of tourist flow, the state of infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram doesn’t quite look promising. Major destinations, including Kovalam, Varkala and Ponmudi, which have been attracting tourists from the UK, Russia, Germany and the Scandinavian countries, need the much-needed facelift. The absence of basic amenities including toilet facilities often poses problems for tourists.

Kovalam Beach
The blue sea and beaches including Hawa and Samudra make Kovalam a paradise for both foreign and Indian tourists. However, the lack of washrooms and other basic amenities on the beach has made it less attractive.

For over a year, the siren has stopped functioning. “No action has been taken to mend it. Earlier at 6pm, with the sound of the alarm, the tourists would return to the shore on their own. But now lifeguards need to call each of them and it has made our job more difficult,” said a lifeguard.

Ponmudi eco-tourism centre
The Ponmudi eco-tourism centre in the Western Ghats, has been popular. However, the tourism centre needs an uplift. “We have not been provided with a proper toilet facility or a place to rest in the hills. Moreover, the watchtower is closed for the visitors. The available chairs and huts are in a dilapidated condition,” said Vishnu V S, a city-based travel enthusiast.

The Meenmutty Falls, the nearest tourist destination to Ponmudi, has remained closed due to adverse climatic conditions.

Varkala cliff
The Varkala cliff beach and adjacent resorts attract 200 to 300 people per day. There are adventure tourism facilities with paragliding and surfing. But the facility lacks a toilet and a dress-changing unit.

A green carpet project would be rolled out at all tourist destinations to ensure the maintenance of facilities. This includes checking for proper waste management, hygiene, water kiosks and signboards.

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