The deserted roads to Kailasagiri mourn the eerie silence. The harsh October sun shines on the bare trees shorn of leaves. As we trudge through the russet tones of the pathways and the rows of uprooted trees, the scene that unfolds before us only reinforces one thing – the sheer magnitude of Cyclone Hudhud and a city that is barely recognisable now. Once resplendent with tall trees brimming with the rich shades of green, chirping birds, libraries, monuments and a happy stream of tourists, the area is now reduced to a shadow of those glorious days. Standing at its place is an engulfing silence.
The scenes at most tourist places in Vizag are the same. At a time when hoards of tourists descend on the City of Destiny to experience its beauty, the cyclone Hudhud has crushed the hopes of the tourism sector that was hoping to bounce back after a dull period last year due to state bifurcation agitations. Several sea-facing hotels and resorts at R.K. Beach and Rushikonda now lie in a ravaged state.
There is no way to spot the location of ancient Buddhist sites at Thotlakonda if you haven’t been there earlier. The main board depicting the significance of this Hinayana school of Buddhism of the Kalinga empire that flourished from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, has disappeared with the powerful winds that hit the coast. Spread over 120 acres, five of the 16 Votive Stupas are damaged and the walls adjoining the main Stupa has partially fallen. The only human being in sight at the place is Appa Rao, the tourist guide from the State Archaeology Department. “At least 20 to 30 families used to visit this place every day during the peak October-December tourist season. Look at the plight of this sacred site now! Since the time the cyclone hit the region, I have seen just one family coming here,” says a devastated Appa Rao, who was present there on the day of the cyclone. “I couldn’t stand here after 2 p.m. The gusting winds were throwing me off my feet. But how could I leave this place? It is like a second home for me where I spend my days telling tourists the stories of behind the Buddhist structures. Now it is in a very bad state. I hope the officials do something about it soon,” he says.
At Rushikonda, one of the most picturesque locales of Vizag, the situation is even grimmer. Beaches eaten away by merciless waves, damaged resorts and restaurants and the coastline dotted with broken boats make for a dreadful sight. With the APTDC resort hit badly, it is expected to take at least 10 to 15 days for it to be functional. “Every household, small to big hotels and restaurants have been hit by the cyclone. It’s heartening to see restoration work in full progress. But tourism sector has lost the precious peak season business that comes during the Diwali time. In fact, tourists may be sceptical to visit the region in near future following the massive destruction of our beautiful tourist places and the problems faced by tourists,” says Seshagiri Mantri of Vihar Hospitality.
Industry players feel that giving temporary tax sops, promoting cheaper holiday packages and conducting road shows may help to revive the tourism scene of the region to some extent in the near future. Many have also expressed their concern about the massive loss of green cover that may lead to significant rise in temperatures. “The lush green cover was the main beauty of the city. Now it is all gone. We must rise up to the occasion and recreate the green cover that the city has lost,” says V. Abhinav, a B.Tech student.
The city may have been badly battered by the cyclone, but the spirit is still high. Many individuals and organisations have joined hands to come forward for relief and restoration work.
While the haunting images of shattering window panes, the ghastly sounds of winds, the ferocious waves pounding the beach road and devastated houses will linger on for a long time to come, it is the indomitable spirit of Vizagites that has now taken up the responsibility to restore the lost beauty and glory of the city.
