Krishna Floods Boating activity halted; Punnami Ghat wears deserted look

Vijayawada: Punnami Ghat, which is the most important tourist place in the city, wears a deserted look due to suspension of boating operations from Berm Park to Bhavani islands in view of the heavy flood.

Nearly two months passed since the floodwater inflows increased into Prakasam Barrage from Pulichintala and Nagarjuna Sagar. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) operates 15 boats and private organisations operate about 45 boats in Krishna river for boating and water sports.

But, the boating activity slowed down since August this year and it has been completely shut down following the major boat tragedy in River Godavari three weeks ago. The State government issued orders for cancellation of boating activity in all rivers in the State.

Consequently, the visitors stopped coming to the Berm Park and Bhavani Island. The visitors are also not visiting Bhavani Island, which has 29 cottages. The APTDC gets Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh revenue on boating, cottage rents and other income. A senior officer of the APTDC said the corporation suffered loss of Rs 1.5 crore in two months - August and September.

August to December is the ideal time for promotion of tourism in the State. Visitors from not only Andhra Pradesh, but from other States also visit Durga temple for Dasara celebrations in Vijayawada. These visitors visit the Punnami Ghat and enjoy the boating in Krishna river.

But, this year there is no scope for boating due to continuous inflow of floodwater into the Krishna river. Moreover, the recent boat accident in Godavari river led to the cancellation of boating operations in Krishna river too.

On Sunday, the entire stretch of Punnami Ghat and Berm Park wore a deserted look as there were no visitors. The officials are waiting for permission from the Ports Authority of India for grant of fitness certificates to the boats.

The official said that the irrigation department has to give permission for the routes to be operated and the APTDC is waiting for it. The inflows of floodwater are continuing in Krishna river and it will take some more days or weeks for water levels to come down. Till then, the visitors have to wait for the restoration of boating facility and to enjoy water sports in Krishna river.