KOZHIKODE: In the post-Ockhi period, lovers of the sea are hesitant to splash in the waves as there are widespread reports of hundreds dying in the sea during the cyclone and decayed bodies floating across the coast. The waste dumped back by the waves during cyclone Ockhi is another factor that deters beach goers. The city beach which used to witness a mammoth crowd of revelers on Sunday evenings, witnessed a lull this week-end. The beach is where people gather together for peace and relaxation. But since Cyclone Ockhi, it seems, people are scared to come to the beach.
“Cyclone Ockhi really hit beach lovers. Even if a few come, they just sit on the steps but do not step anyway near the sea”, said K.P Najeeb a tea stall owner. The wastes that was washed to the beach after the cyclone shows how badly people have polluted the sea. People are afraid that abattoir waste that has been dumped will come back and assault their senses.There is a foul smell now and in fact, the smell of sea water has changed, it was pointed out.
“There is no proper maintenance of the beach. The authorities and people including us, are not concerned about keeping the beach clean”, said Vishnu N and Akhildas P, students. “There should be strict action by the government on people who dump waste from the abattoir into the sea “, he pointed out. The South Beach of the city, though famous among the tourists, is dying due to lack of proper maintenance. People are hoping that the new renovation project will also concentrate on waste management.
