Swim at your own risk here

Tourists demand a lifeguard at the reservoir

Vizianagaram: The beautiful Tatipudi reservoir, which has been frequented by tourists, has become a death trap for those, who have been venturing into the water for a swim.

As many as 10 tourists drowned in the past few months, denting the image of the place, picturesque reservoir on the banks of River Gosthani near the Eastern Ghats in Gantyada mandal of Vizianagaram district, Tatipudi has been attracting tourists, who are visiting Araku Valley.

Locals say that tourists, who go in for a swim in the waters are unaware of the reservoir’s depth and other conditions, which is leading to drowning. In the wake of these incidents, tourists say that the reservoir needs lifeguards and asked the officials of the tourism department to take a leaf out of Ramakrishna Beach in Vizag. Locals echo the same and add that there are no lifeguards at the reservoir.

Speaking to The Hans India, District Tourism Officer K Anitha said that tourists are demanding a life guard at the reservoir. “We have sent the proposal to the State government. We will take necessary steps to ensure safety of the tourists,” she added.

By Koppara Gandhi