The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Smog robs beach of its sheen Civic Scene

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Smog robs beach of its sheen Civic Scene

G.V.Prasada Sarma

Visitors to the beach have become vulnerable to it

Photo: K.R. Deepak

Burning issues: A common sight on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam. —

VISAKHAPATNAM: Disposing solid waste is a huge challenge for a developing city. Even as its status as an industrial city is witnessing an upward trend, the city has been drawing people from far and wide because of its tourism potential. And for every visitor to the city, Ramakrishna Beach is a ‘must-see’.

The tourist destination, however, is not spic and span as one would expect it to be. Dumping of garbage, not clearing the trash etc are some of the eyesores.

But burning garbage or trash is a problem that concerns not only the tourists but the people living there as well. In fact, the residents have to undergo more hardships than the tourists. With more density of air in the winter, fog hangs like a veil till late in the morning.

The smoke that comes out of the burning garbage adds to it. Anyone passing by is vulnerable particularly those allergic to such emissions.

The beach is a favourite haunt of all the people. Hence besides the civic authorities some civic action is perhaps required to make it more hospitable.

Besides, it will be a good idea to have a watchdog body for some period so that it watches various activities that are affecting the beauty of the beach road.

Such a step will spur civic groups into action. While the rest of the city also has problems of sanitation, maintaining the beach road has something to do with its reputation.

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