Tourists can now head to Puducherry as the government has decided to reopen with 50 percent capacity. The destination has already opened up its tourist destinations from July 16 onwards as the infection rate has started to come down. While the government in Puducherry has already extended the lockdown until July 31, it has also reopened certain tourist destinations such as the botanical gardens, and Chunnambar Boathouse.
Public Works Minister, K Lakshminarayanan said in a statement, "We decided to reopen tourist spots with 50 per cent capacity with strict instruction to comply with Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. The government-run Chunnambar Boathouse, a private boathouse and other tourist spots resumed operations from Friday. On day one of reopening, the collection at the government boathouse stood at 89,000. Tourists started visiting Puducherry in large numbers after the second wave of infection started subduing. We can witness Puducherry returning to normalcy slowly from this weekend."
Apart from the destinations, the territory has also been permitted to reopen bars, and restaurants that are housed within hotels, guest houses, and lodges. Moreover, the government in Puducherry has also proposed to launch a doorstep delivery service for alcoholic beverages inside the territory. This has been suggested in order to reduce the crowd in liquor stores that may lead to more infections.
Lakshminarayanan also said that Puducherry is planning to grant permission for all activities in a phased manner, so that all sectors can have a chance at revival. He further said, “If people are unruly we will revive special wings like tourist police to ensure compliance.”
Tourism of course is very important for Puducherry, and it is important to revive it as much as it is important to ensure the safety of tourists, and residents.
