Illegal bamboo huts may be a big draw, but safety is a problem

Rajamahendravaram: Though bamboo huts sprouting on sand dunes and adjacent to river bank along River Godavari are gaining popularity with tourists from various parts of country, safety and violation of rules by organisers of these huts are causing concern.

A 12-hour cruise on River Godavari from Rajamahendravaram to Papikondalu is a memorable journey and feast to the eyes of thousands of tourists coming from various parts of the state and other states. Bamboo huts on the river banks have become an added attraction to the tourists, some of whom spend night in them to make the trip a great one. 

However, lack of proper safety precautions and permissions from authorities to the huts mean the experience may turn a nightmare for those who stay in them. These huts are being set up and run in the name of tribals.

Sivagiri village in Polavaram mandal has 50 bamboo huts, and Siruvaka, a small hamlet in Karaturu panchayat is home to 100 huts. According to sources, a businessman from Bhimavaram runs the bamboo huts in Sivagiri on five acre land belonging to a tribal, in violation of AP  1/1970 Regulation. The Regulation bars non-tribals occupying or using tribal lands. 

Besides, the areas where cottages are located fall under Papikonda National Park, where wild animals are supposed to have unrestricted access. It is  learnt that the organisers of huts are using the wood in the park as fuel  to cook food for the camping tourists, which violates the rules.

A tourist M R S Rao, who stayed in the cottage recently, alleged that the organisers are charging an amount of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 for a hut per day though there are no basic amenities. 

“Staying with family there will be embarrassing because of activities such as consumption of alcohol, gambling, etc. by other tourists. Moreover, there is no proper security to the tourists,” he said.

Some tourists say staying in bamboo huts for a night is a good experience, but the government should regularise this activity by taking necessary steps like ensuring safety and security. During summer, the number of tourists will increase and it is the duty of the government to take necessary measures for the safety of tourists, said another tourist. 

Speaking to The Hans India, river conservator, also Godavari Head Works Executive Engineer, R Mohan Rao said irrigation department should accord permission for construction of huts on the riverbank and added he has to verify whether the department had accorded permission or not for the existing ones. Tourism department regional director M Bhim Shankar Rao said the department has no powers regarding these huts. 

By S S CHARY