The two-and-half-km Ramakrishna (RK) Beach, identified as the longest footpath along any beach road in the country, has now been provided with ramps to enable physically challenged persons to enjoy the beauty of the beach without any hindrance.
The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day, which falls on September 27, is ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’.
The A.P. Tourism Department has constructed ramps in association with the district administration and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) to provide accessibility to the physically challenged persons to get onto the footpaths on their wheelchairs and move around without having to depend on others.
Breathtaking view
The 30-km-long marine drive from Visakhapatnam to Bheemunipatnam, billed as the longest beach road in India, provides a breathtaking view of the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal on one side, green hills on the other, and rocky hills jutting into the sea and the waves lashing against them. Though there are quite a few popular beaches frequented by visitors, the RK Beach draws the maximum number of visitors in view of its proximity to the city.
The picturesque beaches in and around the city and district have been the favourite haunts of film-makers for over half-a-century.
Battery-operated vehicles sought
While welcoming the initiative taken by the district authorities, State president of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) Koduru Appala Naidu sought operation of battery-operated vehicles at tourist places. Wheelchairs could be provided if that was not possible.
Physically challenged persons should be exempted from payment of entry fee at tourist places to motivate them to visit such places. Guides should be posted, wherever possible, to create awareness among the physically challenged persons, apart from ensuring their safety.
Celebration time
The World Tourism Day celebrations would be organised on the Beach Road, opposite Viswapriya Function Hall, on Tuesday evening.
Cultural programmes, food stalls, and stalls showcasing handicrafts would be arranged.
On the orders of the District Collector and Chairman of the District Tourism Promotion Council Pravin Kumar, the Hoteliers’ Association has announced 10 per cent concession at star hotels.
Entry will be free at all tourist places in the city like the zoo park, Kambalakonda, VUDA Park, Kailasagiri, Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum, and Thotlakonda to mark the occasion.
