‘Take a Break’ amenity centre faces flak at Shangumugham

Thiruvananthapuram: Close on the heels of the opening of the ‘Take a Break’ amenity centre at Shangumugham, the authorities have started cracking down on the beachside vendors.

With the authorities demolishing the temporary shacks put up by the vendors to protect the customers from the rain and sun, the tourists are having a hard time.

With the high-profile outlet opened by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) charging exorbitant rates for snacks and refreshments, the visitors arriving at the spot are forced to stand under the scorching sun to have tea and snacks.

Baiju Kumar, a Nedumangad native, who arrived at the beach with his family to enjoy the evening, said that there was no shade near the outlets to sit and enjoy a tea.

“I had tried DTPC’s outlet and that one time was enough for me. There service was very poor and I enjoy ‘thattukadas’ more as there is no queue to get your order. It is a pity that the authorities demolished the shade. It’s just temporary structure and now we are forced to sit under the sun,” said Mr Kumar.

Take a Break is run by a leading private hotelier. Usha S., another local tourist, said that the temporary shades put up by the local vendors were a relief for the tourists.

“Now we are exposed to the sun and rain and we can’t have a good time now. The authorities should be providing more sitting areas to facilitate the tourists,” she said.

Another tourist Sreekumar K. G., who was found enjoying a tea at one of the ‘thattukada’, said that the authorities should have a humanitarian approach as the vendors are running business for a livelihood.

“Large number of tourists arriving at the beach is depending on these beach side vendors who sell tea, snacks and other food items at reasonable rates. The temporary shacks were not harming anybody,” said Mr Sreekumar.

While, DTPC Chairman O. T. Prakash said that the temporary shacks were demolished by the district administration following disputes among vendors themselves.