Govt drops Valiya Veli beach devpt plan amid stiff hostility

Thiruvananthapuram: Govt decided to drop the plan of developing Valiya Veli Beach as a major tourist spot owing to stiff resistance from local fishermen and church authorities. The city has almost lost Shanghumugham Beach to sea erosion, and Veli Beach was touted as a potential alternative.Local MLA and former minister Kadakampally Surendran informed a meeting convened to discuss the projects in his constituency early this week that govt couldn't proceed without support from local residents and the church on the Valiya Veli Beach tourism plans. However, city corporation began some modification works by installing lights, stone benches and constructing a walkway.The beach, located close to Shanghumugham Beach, has seen a rise in domestic tourists over the past few years. However, without the proposed infrastructure, its potential remains largely untapped. In 2020, the state launched a Rs 3-crore development initiative called ‘Snehatheeram' for Valiya Veli Beach, intending to create visitor facilities like a park, rain shelter and seating areas. The previous LDF govt even laid the project foundation stone. Govt planned the project as Valiya Veli's larger open space offered an alternative for tourists. The project progressed to the tendering stage, but opposition from local fishing community and church representatives stalled it. While church initially agreed to allocate land for development, their stance shifted amid growing concerns from the community. The beach serves as the location for an annual church festival, an event that local leaders feared might be impacted by the tourism development.A tourism department official said the project is unlikely to be revived. "We couldn't proceed with Valiya Veli Beach project due to resistance from the local community. As a result, we decided to prioritize Shanghumugham as a primary tourist site and invest in developing it further," said the official.Jisha John, Poundukadavu ward councillor, said that corporation's efforts to make the beach tourist-friendly are underway. "The walkway construction is in progress and lights are being installed. The beach has become a favourite evening hangout for city dwellers and domestic tourists. So the civic body initiated minor beautification works. The project was scrapped over opposition to constructing buildings as it would affect the fishermen's livelihood," she said.Shanghumugham Beach has been undergoing a series of modifications led by tourism department. This development aims to restore its appeal, providing additional facilities and creating a more resilient space against recurring erosion.
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