Elephanta tragedy effect? New Year crowd to heritage island drops this year

Two weeks after a boat accident claimed 15 lives en route to Elephanta Island the usually bustling Gateway of India has seen a noticeable dip in yearend tourist numbers While the iconic waterfront spot is still drawing visitors from across the country local vendors and ferry operators report a 2030 per cent decline in footfall compared to this time last yearLingering shadow of tragedyA port authority officer keeps a watch at a jetty at the Gateway of IndiaOn December 18 an Indian Navy craft rammed into a ferry named Neel Kamal resulting in the death of 15 people Since the tragedy there has been a marked drop in travellers boarding ferries to Elephanta Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mumbairsquos most popular attractions Many believe that the incident has dampened the enthusiasm of local tourists even though authorities have stepped up safety measures ldquoPort authority personnel are rigorously inspecting ferries heading to Mandwa Alibaug and Elephantardquo said one ticket seller at the Gateway of India ldquoTheyrsquore ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols Itrsquos a good thing but the tourist numbers are still lower than usualrdquoDecline in businessLocal businesses dependent on tourist inflow have felt the pinch ldquoThis may look crowded but itrsquos not the crowd we usually see on December 31rdquo said Shaikh Gaus Adil who has been selling tickets to Elephanta Island for several years ldquoWersquove been discussing it among ourselves and we estimate at least a 2530 per cent drop in touristsrdquo he saidBoat crew members ensuring everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket PicsSayyed Sameer AbediOthers echoed the sentiment ldquoItrsquos crowded but not like previous years Irsquod say itrsquos only about 6570 per cent of the usual crowdrdquo said Virendra Gharat a shopkeeper on Elephanta Island ldquoNormally on December 31 and January 1 I get so busy I have to ask my cousin for help This time I managed the shop alone The ferry accident seems to be haunting us allrdquoLocals concerned but hopefulLocal resident at Gharapuri Parvati Mhatre who runs a small eatery en route to the caves believes the decline is mainly among local tourists ldquoForeign tourists are still coming but therersquos a drop in local visitors They might be more aware of what happened two weeks ago But it was just an accident that can happen anywhere on roads toordquoMeanwhile ferry operator and secretary of the Mumbai Jal Vahatuk and Audyogik Sahakari Sanstha Sharafat Mukadam points out other reasons for the dip ldquoYes the December 18 accident caused a decline but people are also taking alternative routes because of improved roads and the Atal Setu Some prefer going by train via Uran However the ferry will always be a popular choice I am sure people will come backrdquoDespite the setback many locals remain optimistic ldquoMumbairsquos spirit is hard to dampenrdquo said one ferry operator ldquoAccidents happen but people love this place We hope the crowd will be back to normal very soonrdquoTourist SpeakMandar Phatarpekar who was travelling on the ferry M L Rehber with 11 family members said ldquoEvery year our family takes a yearend trip to Elephanta Caves especially to visit the Shiva temple Itrsquos a longstanding tradition and very convenient since itrsquos so close to Mumbai The kids love it so we never skip itrdquo Another tourist added ldquoRoad trips arenrsquot as fun Ferry rides are more exciting for me Thatrsquos why I decided to bring my wife to Elephanta by ferry We know about the recent accident but theyrsquore providing life jackets now Accidents can happen anywhererdquoIncreased scrutinyPersonnel assigned by the port authorities have been checking every ferry that leaves the jetty to ensure there were enough life jackets on board and also that every passenger and crew member was wearing the jackets before the ferry leaves the jetty ldquoWe have been stationed here since December 19 checking the ferries for safety protocols and compliance We havenrsquot found anyone flouting the safety norms and the ferry operators too are cooperatingrdquo said one of the officers stationed at Apollo Bunder