Perumathura beach beckons

Thiruvananthapuram: The Perumathura beach located on the outskirts of the city is set to be the new beach tourism destination of Thiruvananthapuram. Thousands throng the spot to enjoy the serene and laidback beach, which, however, lacks basic amenities. According to the authorities, or locals and foreigners as well. The tourism department along with the harbour engineering department will launch a beach development project worth Rs 3 crore next month.

The plan is to provide basic amenities, including public toilets, parking area, rain shelter, children's play area and a watch tower for attracting more tourists to the location. During the weekends, thousands of people visit the spot and once the project is finished the tourist flow will increase.

Shanty Joseph, executive engineer, harbour engineering department, said that Perumathura beach was formed in 1998. "Since the inauguration of the Perumathura bridge, more people have started noticing this small, sandy beach. And many resorts have started to bring their tourists to Perumathura," said Shanty Joseph.

The tourism department has sanctioned Rs 2.42 crore of the total Rs 3 crore for the project. A top official of the tourism department said that the work will be inaugurated in November and completed within 18 months. However, the authorities have to give away 600 metres of the project area for the Adani Group for facilitating the transportation of rock for the Vizhinjam harbour project.

"Eventually, Adani Group will hand over the approach road and corresponding area once the rock procurement is over. We will be able to use that area for providing more parking space," said the official. According to authorities, the project will be a boon for local people as the development will bring more business prospects to the region.