The Puducherry government has reopened its tourist spots with 50% capacity following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour norms from July 16 after the rate of incidence of the infection started coming down in the territory.
The government while extending the lockdown until July 31 announced a few relaxations including reopening of all its tourist spots like Chunnambar Boathouse and botanical gardens.
"We decided to reopen tourist spots with 50% 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," said public works minister K Lakshminarayanan, who also holds the portfolio of tourism.
The government had earlier permitted reopening of bars and restaurants within the hotels, lodges and guesthouses. The government has proposed to launch doorstep delivery of alcoholic beverages within the territory following all rules and regulations to reduce the footfalls to liquor shops and to prevent any fresh outbreak.
"Granting permission for all activities in a phased manner to revive all sectors including tourism and hospitality sectors to generate revenue for the territory is as important as ensuring the safety of tourists and residents. If people are unruly we will revive special wings like tourist police to ensure compliance," said Lakshminarayanan.
