Even as coracle service commences, timings prove a dampener

October 25, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:36 am IST - DHARMAPURI:

Just as tourists thronged Hogenakkal after coracle service was flagged off following a two-month-long hiatus, a cloud of disappointment reigned over as the coracle ride timings ended up way too brief turning away tourists.

Though the coracle service was formally flagged off on Friday, it was on Saturday morning that a reckonable tourist population thronged Hogenakkal for the holiday-weekend.

While all 127 coracles were set into operation, the timings have turned to be dampener for the tourists who arrived at Hogenakkal often the previous night itself. The office service time has now been fixed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However, due to the series of checks and balances that have come into force accompanying a broad set of safety protocols, the actual opening up of coracle service past 10.30 a.m. has proved to be disconcertion.

As part of the safety protocol, two teams of three persons each, one each drawn from police, fire service, and revenue were required to monitor the two boarding points for coracle service. The three personnel are required to vet the safety protocols and counter sign the trip-sheets.

Speaking to The Hindu , Kempuraj, an office-bearer of Hogenakkal Coracle Owners Association, the service that was meant to start at 10 a.m. however came through only at 11 a.m., since the staff from BDO arrived late.

Similarly, the earlier closing time of 5 p.m. has now been cut short to 4 p.m. leaving behind a trail of disappointed tourists. “There were over 500 tourists who were still waiting in line, but were forced to return without a ride,” Mr. Kempuraj.

An estimated 50,000 tourists reportedly arrived in Hogenakkal on Saturday, according to his estimate. But, just about 600-odd tourists managed a ride, giving each coracle a single ride all through the day. During such long holiday weekends, tourists often arrive the previous night here.

At least, during these times, the opening time should be well before the Sun is sharp and the humidity on the rocky terrain gets intense.

It would be helpful, if the service started at 8 a.m. so that most tourists could have a feel of the ride, says the coracle lobby.

Though 50,000 tourists reportedly arrived in Hogenakkal on Saturday, 600-odd managed a ride

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.