One of the longest and scenic natural beaches, Sothavilai in Kanyakumari district, lacks basic amenities.
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The road leading to Sothavilai beach on the seashore has been damaged extensively at several places in the recent rains. Casuarina trees planted on the shore have also been damaged by sea erosion.
Locals apprehend that the building housing the viewpoint may collapse any time, as the sand underneath is slowly getting eroded.
A children’s park with resting benches, a welcome arch and boards warning tourists against entering the sea have been damaged by strong winds. However, the high-mast lamp and a toilet-cum-bathing facility constructed by the Puthalam panchayat are intact.
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Due to the damage to roads leading to Sothavilai, town bus services operated from Kanyakumari and Nagercoil remain suspended by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation.
A top official told The Hindu that the administration was keen to develop Sanguthurai beach, Vattakottai and a few other tourist spots, instead of Sothavilai beach, as it was not feasible.
The seashore between Sothavilai and Pallam is used to dump waste by the local body. The dumped garbage, including plastic waste, is set on fire frequently, polluting the air, says S.S. Davidson, environment educator.
Mr. Davidson has urged the administration to safeguard the marine wealth of the district, as it has 68 km of seashore with shark, dolphin and turtle nesting grounds.