Flyover works hit visitors to Bhavani Island

Vijayawada: Despite peak season, the Berm Park and Bhavani Island, which are only getaways with boating facility in the city, have put up a gloomy face. The reason is ongoing construction works for flyover near Kanakadurga temple that led to traffic diversions, creating havoc.

The number of visitors to the place has decreased by more than 60 per cent and the occupancy ratio of the cottages inside eventually slashed.
There is a clear decrease in the number of visitors who are making it to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC)’s Bhavani Island and Berm Park. Though the amenities were developed at the island in a much better way than before, traffic diversions implemented for development works led to discouragement of public and that of the department officials who pinned hopes on generating revenue during the summer season.

With mercury soaring high even before the advent of April month, there are high chances for tourists of the nearby areas as well as locals to come down to the picturesque Bhavani Island, which offers a variety of water sports amidst landscaped locations and tree cottage experience.

There are as many as 30 rooms in Berm Park resorts and 28 in Bhavani Island. The occupancy ratio of the cottages in the year 2012-13 is 58 per cent in the peak summer and 51 for the year 2013-14. There are about 30 per cent bookings until the month of April. There are only 8 operational rooms which are executive type in the Berm Park. The four deluxe rooms which are under maintenance will be open for public within another 15 days. A conference hall with 150 seating capacity is also open for bookings with attractive packages.

According to the manager at Berm Park, K Srinivas, “due to the traffic congestion and ongoing construction works, there is a decline in the number of visitors. Earlier, a party from Ponnur of Guntur district booked the conference room for an engagement function to be held in the first week of April but backed out owing to the current problems. They opted for a hotel with banquet hall in the city. It is the season for people to come and spend time by the river side, since we don’t have a beach. Instead of coming to this place putting up with traffic diversions, people are going towards Guntur district for a day’s getaway.”

The losses are roughly estimated to be up to a sum of Rs 2 lakh per month including the boating facility.