THIRUVANATHARPUAM: The Veli tourist village is posing a threat to the tourists with mounting garbage and the stench striking their nostrils.
It is one of the most sought-after scenic spots in the district where the lake meets the Arabian Sea giving a fine view of sunset, rocket launching from Thumba and easy access to the airport, rail and waterways.
But the place is stinking due to dumping of wastes by the visitors and others in spite of the security provided. The people have found the lake the ideal place to throw all kinds of unwanted items, including medical and organic rejects and plastic bottles. The sea also deposits its quota of waste materials in the lake.
Sources in the Kerala To-urism Development Corp-oration (KTDC) said that steps to clean the area will be taken after a miniature train project being undertaken there is completed by March 2020.
They said the people throw the waste into the lake from the bridge. Besides, the left-overs from all across the district get accumulated there. CCTV cameras will be installed and fencing will be provided to improve the situation. The corporation and the mayor have been informed about the matter through a letter, they said.
Shyju, a resident of the area, spoke about the difficulties being faced by the locals due to the mounting garbage. A life guard complained of lack of life-saving equipment and insurance.
A KTDC official said the citizens also should cooperate with the administration to properly maintain the area. "The government and the public have to join hands to achieve this objective," he said.
