Infinite interest in Infinity creates chaos

SURAT: Tourists have been prohibited from visiting Dandi beach of Valsad district because bulk carrier Infinity has been attracting thousands of them ever since it ran aground there sometime ago. Valsad district collector Remya Mohan issued prohibitory orders considering threat to the lives of visitors and to lessen the trouble being caused to the local populace.
Infinity got drifted to Dandi coast because of strong winds on September 18 from Alang coast where it was anchored and awaiting her slot for demolition. The vessel's engine was not functioning when it reached Dandi coast with 10-member crew on board who had been earlier hired for its maintenance.
Initially, people from neighbouring villages visited the beach and happily clicked selfies with the giant ship. It was for the first time that villagers were witnessing a 180-metre-long ship from close quarters. Within a couple of days, thousands of people began to reach Dandi from across south Gujarat, turning the beach into a picnic spot.
The rush of people is creating major traffic and cleanliness-related issues in the area and it was thus brought to the notice of the district administration.
"The road to Dandi is narrow and gets blocked due to heavy traffic. At least 80 volunteers from our village have been managing the traffic to keep the road clear. It was becoming difficult for the villagers to go out and students were reaching their schools late," Dandi sarpanch Prakash Patel said.
"Not only are villagers feeling harassed, the vessel is life threatening to the visitors who get close to it. The vessel begins to move when water level rises on the beach. The prohibitory orders have been issued to avoid any untoward incident," said Remya Mohan, district collector, Valsad.
The district administration had to carry out a cleanliness drive on the beach because of heavy rush of visitors on Sunday.