Tourism-dependent economy takes a dent

Hyderabad: Centre’s move to phase out Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has its far-reaching impact on tourism sector in the State as all major temples and tourist destinations witnessed a considerable decline in footfall.

The spiralling effect of demonetisation of high valued notes has also taken a huge toll on the tourism-dependent economy in the remote tourism spots like Ramappa, Laknavaram, Papikondalu, Kinnerasani, etc. It may be noted here that a sizable number of people earn a living on tourism activity.

All three major temples - Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Yadadri, Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada and Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam have witnessed a significant drop in pilgrim turnout.

Speaking to The Hans India, Yadadri temple executive officer N Geetha said: “Since the government scrapped the high valued notes, apparently there is a fall in devotee turnout to the temple. It could be around 20 to 25 per cent. Proportionately, it also had a dent in the daily income of the temple that includes Arjitha Sevas and others.

Elsewhere in Vemulawada, the situation was no different. The temple authorities, who were expecting close to one lakh pilgrims on Kartika Pournami (November 14) were taken aback by the low turnout that is around 20,000. It may be noted here that Kartika Masam is said to be Lord Shiva’s lovesome month. But for an anonymous devotee’s donation of Rs 4 lakh in old currency, the hundi income of the temple remained much to its monthly average of Rs 1.50 crore.

Agreeing that there is a decrease in devotee rush, Bhadradri temple chief priest Podicheti Jagannadhacharyulu reasoned that it may be because of the ongoing marriage season. Papikondalu (Papi Hills) travel agent A Pandu said: “There is a drastic fall in tourist numbers opting for boat cruise in Godavari river.

At an average 10,000 tourists visit Papi Hills every month from Bhadrachalam side, however, it may not be possible this month.” Not even half of the average number of visitors had come to see Papi Hills this month, he added, referring to the plight of local tribals who make a living by selling their bamboo-made toys.

Gorantla Vijay Kumar, Ramappa Temple Site Guide, said that there is dip in number of tourists visiting Ramappa temple for the last one week. He said that petty vendors and hotels have a tough time to deal with the high denomination notes tendered by the visitors. Normally, this is the month in which people come in large numbers to offer prayers at the Ramappa’s Shaivite temple, but it wasn’t to be, he bemoaned.