Express News Service
RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: The ban on boating on River Godavari to Papikondalu has affected the lives of over 4,000 people, who are directly and indirectly dependant on the activity. The boating points to Papikondalu from Rajamahendravaram, Polavaram, Purushottapatnam, Gandipochamma gudi, Singanapalli, Peramtallapalli and Pochavaram, which once used to witness hectic activity, wear a deserted look now.
The boat tragedy at Katchaluru in Devipatnam mandal on September 15 last year in which around 50 tourists along with crew had drowned, has brought the boating activity to a grinding halt. “This is the peak time for tourists to arrive and the best season for us,” lamented Kareem Shah, a boat owner from Polavaram.