Tour operators seek increased surveillance at tourist sites in Vizag

 Visakhapatnam: Representatives of AP Chambers of Commerce, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Forum (APTF) and Tours and Travels Association (TTA) have asked Visakhapatnam police commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi to keep open round the clock the sea shore between RK Beach and Park Hotel Junction, while increasing police surveillance at all popular tourist spots in the city.

They sought increased vigil by police at geo-heritage sites, such as the natural arch formation at Mangamaripeta beach. Once secluded, this area of the beach remains crowded, with visitors clicking selfies atop the natural arch and some even performing bike stunts over the geologically-sensitive spot.

Similarly, the tourism representatives complained that the ancient Buddhist site at Thotlakonda on the beach road is witnessing increased instances of crime due to lack of surveillance cameras and police personnel. There have been many incidents of robbery, snatching and harassment of couples.

K. Vijay Mohan, chairman of AP Chambers Tourism Committee and president of APTF and TTA recalled at the meeting with the police commissioner that four anti-social elements had attacked and snatched valuables from tourists at the Lumbini Park on the beach road last week.

A senior travel operator Dheeraj Prah pointed out that due to these incidents, tourist arrivals from West Bengal have reduced. Last year, one lakh Bengali tourists visited Visakhapatnam and Araku from October to January. This year, not many of them turned up during the Dasara holidays, he revealed.

Further, the tourism representatives complained to the commissioner about fly-by-night travel agents, who have been collecting crores of rupees from innocent travellers and disappearing.

Vijay Mohan suggested that the commissioner form a committee with tourism industry members and police and revenue officials to keep a tab on fake travel agents.