RAMANATHAPURAM: Rameswaram has for long been synonymous with temples and pristine beaches. But of late, visitors here are lured by boat crew who take them three miles into the sea.Earlier, some boat crew were willing to take tourists into the sea, but they had no legal permit thus making it was seem as a perilous journey.Many were against this and the demand to stop such illegal rides became vociferous after a boat capsized killing 15 people.With the then government then taking a stern action, these trips came to a halt.Meanwhile, a group of persons have come forward to operate boat services after getting due permission from the government.The private group procured two mechanised boats at a cost of `30 lakh each and also constructed a wooden jetty near Agni Theertham at an estimated cost of `20 lakh.The boats are equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, toilet facilities, three swimmers, first aid facility and life buoys.A person is charged `50 for a trip that takes one up to Lord Kothanda Ramar Temple. Around 75 persons can be accommodated on each boat.The service has evoked good response from the people and now a concrete shed has been constructed at an estimated cost of `5 lakh. Loudspeakers have also been installed and announcements regarding the trips are made in Tamil, English, Hindi and Telugu.Natarajan of Salem, who had availed this boat service said that his family was excited after returning from the trip.Devadas, a partner in this venture, the tour was for tourists and devotees.
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