Thiruvananthapuram: The drone footage of picturesque Kappil beach on the North- Western edge of Thiruvananthapuram have off late became a banner to flaunt the natural beauty of the district. However, years after proposing a development package, Kappil beach still does not attract the spillover of tourists who visit the nearby Varkala cliff.
The Rs 50 lakh development package envisaged in 2010 has not been implemented and unplanned constructions have started to mushroom affecting the location. As per the plans, several rain shelters, pathways, police-aid posts, landscaping and toilets were to be constructed on the beach. Kappil boat club was to be developed for safe parasailing.
“The area in Edava panchayat is accessible from Varkala once you pass a few railway crossings. The natural scenery of a river that runs parallel to the sea is spectacular from the beach. However, it does not offer amenities or attract tourists.” said Sadananadan a local activist.
Adding to this, at many places, fishermen hutments has started to sprout up blocking the beach. Local restaurants and private boat clubs also are part of the encroachment.
DTPC officials meanwhile said that developing Kappil boat club and providing basic amenities was on their priority list. “The original work was sanctioned during the VS Achuthanadan government. The work was stalled when the government changed. If not the aid post, we plan to build rain shelters and install e-toilets beside the beach,” a DTPC official said.
