Saturday, August 24, 2024 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Tourism department is actively pursuing additional funding from the Union Ministry of Tourism to rejuvenate Varkala, a renowned beach destination in the state. Varkala Papanasham Beach, celebrated for its stunning cliffside views, has earned a spot in Lonely Planet’s “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches” guide. However, the beach’s allure is being threatened by severe erosion, the collapse of parts of the Varkala cliff, and inadequate facilities, all of which are hampering its tourism potential and causing concern among local stakeholders.
In response to these challenges, a high-level meeting was held on Wednesday, chaired by Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas. The meeting, which included the district collector, officials from the District Tourism Promotion Council, and Varkala MLA V Joy, focused on strategies to revitalize Varkala. The central government has already allocated Rs 25 crore under the Challenge Based Destination Scheme (CBDS), and the Tourism department is working on a comprehensive master plan to secure additional funds and elevate Varkala’s status as an international beach tourism destination.
A senior official from the Tourism department revealed that the master plan is nearing completion. The concept note has already been submitted to the Centre, laying the groundwork for further financial support. The detailed plan, currently in its final stages, aims to address the nu.