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 numerous issues plaguing Varkala, including infrastructure deficiencies and environmental concerns.
The Tourism department’s efforts are crucial for restoring Varkala’s appeal and ensuring its long-term sustainability as a prime tourist destination. With the master plan set to provide solutions to the existing challenges, there is hope that Varkala will regain its position as one of Kerala’s most attractive beach tourism hubs. The master plan outlines a strategic initiative to develop additional beaches in Varkala, aiming to alleviate the overcrowding currently experienced at Papanasam Beach.
Varkala boasts approximately 12 beaches stretching between Vettoor and Kappil, which have the potential to offer visitors more diverse and less congested options. This expansion is a key element in the broader vision to enhance Varkala’s appeal as a premier beach destination, ensuring that its natural beauty and visitor experience remain uncompromised by overcrowding. To effectively tackle the challenges facing Varkala, the master plan proposes a comprehensive three-pronged approach.
This method is designed to systematically address the various issues that have been identified, ranging from infrastructure inadequacies to environmental concerns. By dividing the project into manageable phases, the plan ensures that each problem is dealt with thoroughly and effectively, setting a solid foundation for Varkala’s long-term development and sustainability as a tourist hotspot. The implementation of the project will be carried out in three distinct phases, with each phase targeting specific aspects of the overall plan.
The first phase will prioritize the most pressing issues that currently detract from the visitor experience. Key focus areas will include improving parking facilities, enhancing pedestrian amenities, and resolving wastewater management challenges. Additionally, this phase will address the critical need for better security measures and more efficient waste management systems, both of which are essential for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the beaches.
As the project progresses into subsequent phases, the focus will gradually shift to more complex and long-term improvements. These may include the development of new infrastructure, the enhancement of existing amenities, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. Each phase will build upon the successes of the previous one, ensuring that the improvements are both cumulative and impactful, ultimately transforming Varkala into a world-class beach destination.
The phased approach of the master plan is designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments and refinements as the project moves forward. By addressing the most immediate concerns first, the plan sets the stage for more ambitious developments in the future. The overall goal is to create a well-balanced and sustainable tourism environment in Varkala, one that can accommodate growing visitor numbers while preserving the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
.
