Thiruvananthapuram: With the tourism season in full swing and visitors arriving from around the world, tourists heading to the iconic Kovalam have been urged to exercise caution while using the damaged walkways along the beach.

Large cracks and crevices have appeared on several stretches, while in many areas, the sea has eroded the walkway’s foundation completely. Walking has become nearly impossible along parts of the lighthouse stretch, where the elevated pathway poses an added risk of accidents.

Strong sea waves severely damaged the foundation of the walkway during the monsoon, and the hand railings have also deteriorated due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance.

The slabs on the surface of the walkway near the Gandhi statue at the lighthouse beach have been severely damaged, exposing the iron bars. These rusted iron bars pose a threat to the safety of the pedestrians. 

Besides, there is also a risk of getting their legs stuck in the deep drainage channels. The area gets shrouded in darkness at night as there are no street lights here. Meanwhile, the tourism authorities said that the walkway would be repaired soon.