As the festive season kicks off, private tourism boat operators in Rampachodavaram are facing uncertainty due to delays in obtaining permissions to operate tours on the Godavari River to the popular destination, Papikondalu. Although boat operators have made repeated requests, revenue authorities have been hesitant to grant permissions, citing recent incidents and safety concerns as reasons for their caution.
The tragic death of three medicos in Maredumilli and concerns about rainfall, rising water levels, and tourist safety have been at the forefront of authorities’ reluctance. Despite these concerns, water resource officials report that the Godavari River at Polavaram is well below the danger threshold, with water levels and discharge rates significantly lower than the point at which boat operations are typically restricted.
Annually, approximately 50,000 to 70,000 tourists from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana visit Papikondalu, embarking on cruises that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the river’s winding course. However, this year, boat operations were halted on July 14, following flooding in the Godavari, and operators have been waiting for the green light to resume tours ever since.
Last week, Rampachodavaram sub-collector K.R. Kalpashree took a trial run from the Gandi Pochamma Temple to Singanapalli and held discussions with boat operators. Although a temporary permission was granted following this meeting, it was quickly rescinded. Kalpashree emphasized the need for a mock drill to familiarize boat operators with updated safety protocols, which include a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that must be strictly adhered to.
With the festive season spanning from October to January, boat operators stress the urgency of receiving permission to resume operations. For many operators, this period represents a critical revenue-generating window, as the boats are otherwise idle for much of the year. One operator expressed frustration, saying, “We appeal to the government to intervene and permit us to operate boats to Papikondalu. We are already incurring losses, as we have to pay wages to our staff even when the boats are not operated.”
Meanwhile, Alluri Sitarama Raju District Collector Dinesh Kumar shared that steps are being taken to address safety concerns, including setting up control rooms, installing CCTV cameras, and educating operators on the SOPs. He confirmed that a report on safety norms was received, and with the current favorable water levels and discharge rates, permissions for boat operations to Papikondalu may be granted later this week.
Tourists and operators alike remain hopeful that operations will soon resume, allowing them to once again experience the breathtaking landscapes of Papikondalu during this festive season.
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