Suryalanka (Guntur): The beautiful Suryalanka beach on the shores of the Bay of Bengal sea is turning into a beach of sorrow due to increasing drowning incidents. The people in large numbers come to this beach during festivals and weekend holidays but the absence of security is troubling the visitors. There are no caution boards and notices on the beach which is proving futile to the visitors. Sadly, the public are entering the sea without knowing the depth and drowning in the swirling seawaters. As many 14 persons drowned this year at Suryalanka beach and the public are demanding implementation of security to save the public from drowning incidents.
A majority of engineering colleges are there in Guntur, Narasaraopeta, Chilakaluripeta and Bapatla and there is a good road and rail connectivity to Bapatla from Vijayawada, Guntur, Tenali and other areas. The Suryalanka beach is situated at an 8 km distance from Bapatla. According to reports, a majority of the students from these educational institutions visit Suryalanka. As many as 86 persons drowned at Suryalanka in the past six years of whom 68 persons were youngsters in the age group of 18-24 years.
Local fishermen Ch. Srinu and others said that there are danger spots in various places of the Suryalanka beach due to increased depth. They said that a majority of the students who try to go into the sea are unable to know the depth and the dangerous tidal waves throw them into the deep waters. They said several times they warn students not to go deep but in vain as the students playing in the seawater cross the limits.
Visitors K. Markandeyulu and others of Guntur said that officials should erect barricades to restrain the public going into deep sea and cars and motorcycles should not be allowed till the shore. They said that a rescue team should be appointed and life jackets on rent basis should be supplied to the visitors to restrain drowning incidents. The police officials informed that the police department suggested to install safety measures at the beach and everyday policemen are deployed at the beach. They stated that the police department will take necessary action for the safety of the visitors.
