Kollam: Thirumullavaram Beach, one of the most visited evening spots in the district and a major venue for the annual ‘bali’ ritual, remains in pitch darkness due to non-functioning lights and continued neglect. Despite being a popular destination for families, especially on weekends and holidays, the area lacks even basic lighting infrastructure, raising concerns about safety and law and order.

The high-mast light in front of the Gandhi Smrithi Mandapam has stopped working, forcing visitors to depend on a distant streetlight for visibility. Though concrete benches have been placed behind the children’s park for beachgoers, there is not a single working streetlight in that zone.

The two groynes that were once fitted with lights have long since rusted and gone dark. Today, the only light visible from the beach is that of the fishing vessels far out at sea!

The children’s park, once complete with play equipment, has vanished, leaving behind just a signboard. The toys were reportedly removed during the night and never replaced. The Corporation’s promises to bring them back have remained as fleeting as the waves hitting the shore. Likewise, projects announced by the District Tourism Promotion Council for the beach have also been forgotten.

With Karkidaka Vavu around the corner, when thousands gather here to offer bali tharpan, locals are urging authorities to act urgently. Installing lights and restoring the park have become immediate priorities. Residents also allege that anti-social elements and drug peddlers are taking advantage of the darkness.

Despite repeated complaints, neither the Corporation nor the police have taken any effective action so far.