Varkala beach wears a deserted look amid pandemic

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

The Varkala beach or the Papanasam beach remains almost vacant lately. COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on the tourism sector here leaving thousands of vendors broke. 95 percent of the foreign tourists have gone back. Most of the shops and resorts remain closed since domestic tourists are also hesitant to visit during this time.

Around mid-March, an Italian tourist in Varkala tested positive for the virus, following which the town never really recuperated from the impact. Generally, the tourism season in Varkala starts from November to May. But this year, it is heavily affected by the pandemic and lockdown.

Most of the shops here run on rented buildings, spending large sums of money on decorations and other items for luring tourists. However, now stray dogs can be seen wandering around the beach.

Dr. Sanjay, Varkala tourism associate advisor said that preparations would be done for reopening the beach after September 15. He also urged appointment of a sub-collector rank official for organizing tourism activities. Health tourism needs to be prioritized, he said.

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