Alappuzha: With tourism season round the corner, Alappuzha beach, which attracts visitors both local and from outside, is getting ready to receive tourists despite security lapses.
Three school children from Idukki were swept away by waves here in April this year. C. Pradeep, secretary, DTPC said that five more lifeguards have been deployed on a temporary basis following the tragedy. "We had requested the government to appoint professional lifeguards soon after the incident, but received no positive response. So, we decided to appoint lifeguards on daily wages. Also this season we will distribute pamphlets to tourists warning them of the dangers," said the DTPC official.
The absence of proper lighting is another problem in the beach area. The Tourism Department has put up lamp-posts on the beach which are inadequate for providing light to the entire area. The assault on two British nationals William Meister and Jasper Canon on September 6 this year for intervening on behalf of two Spanish women having beer at a parlour also points towards inadequate security in the beach area.
The 2.5km stretch of Alappuzha beach is one of the longest beaches in state. As many as two lakh visitors visit Alappuzha every season between Nov and May.
