Vijayawada: A good number of holidaymakers are a disappointed lot this Dasara vacation as they are unable to enjoy boat rides following suspension of operation of state-run and private boats for the last three weeks in the state.
Soon after tragic capsize of a private tourist boat at Katchuluru of Devipatnam mandal in East Godavari on September 15, the state government imposed a blanket ban on operation of all tourist boats across AP.
APTDC and private boat operators generally make good money during Dasara vacation. A large number of holidaymakers, from AP, Telangana and other South Indian states, prefer to take a boat ride and also visit popular tourist destinations like Srisailam, Nagarjunasagar, Bhavani Islands, Papikonda, Hope Island, Rushikonda Beach etc during the festive season. However, this year has not been the same due to the blanket ban on tourist boats.
While APTDC earns Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore per month from its fleet of boats, the revenue doubles during Dasara vacation, and reaches `2.5 crore to `3 crore per month. Private boat operator too earn good revenue during the holidays. Now, with no boat is being operated, holidaymakers are a disappointed lot and there does not seem to be an alternative on the horizon.
Both APTDC and private boat operators are receiving hundreds of calls from holidaymakers, enquiring about booking tickets. The operators are unable to respond to their calls as uncertainty prevails over how long the state government will keep the ban in place.
S. Anil Kumar, a IT professional from Hyderabad said, "We wonder as to how long it will take for the government to allow boat operations to resume at tourist destinations. We are forced to look for other destinations to spend our holidays.”
A similar view was echoed by a large number of holidaymakers. A senior official from APTDC said, “We are ready to resume our boat operations as soon as the government lifts the ban,”
