THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the tourism season gathers momentum with visitor arrivals steadily rising, the iconic Varkala cliff and Papanasam beach continue to present a grim picture of neglect despite their status as an ecologically sensitive geo-heritage site on the Unesco tentative list.
The laterite cliff is now marred by safety, sanitation, and environmental concerns. Tourists are greeted by poorly -lit pathways. Littered beaches and untreated sewage flowing directly into the sea and onto the shore -- owing to the lack of proper liquid-waste management among several hoteliers -- have become major turn-offs for visitors. Adding to the discomfort is the growing menace of stray dogs.