Mumbai attack takes heavy toll on Taj neighbourhood

Friday, December 19, 2008 at 5:12 am

The recent terror strike has badly affected people who earn their livelihood near the Taj Hotel, one of the sites targeted during the 26/11 attack.

Shop owners, photographers and tour guides near the iconic building are feeling the pinch post attack with a steep fall in business.

“After the attacks, things have changed for us, we have seen a drop of around 70-80 per cent in our business. It is a difficult period for us as our livelihood is dependent mostly on NRIs and tourist who hardly come here now,” said an official from Gateway Elephanta Jal-Vahatuk Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit.

Sharing similar sentiments Suhas Padte (52) of Mahesh Travels and Tours said” I have seen such a huge loss in business for the first time in life largely due to the terror attacks and now police have also set a deadline for us as well as for visitors. We just hope things get better in the coming days.”

There are 94 boats, of which 20 are ordinary and the remaining luxury. The number of trips for Elephanta caves have come down to 4-5 from 20-25 trips per day.

Post attacks, the tour guides have been asked to restrict the ferry timings to 1800 hours from earlier 2000 hours. Also, the entry and exit points of Gate No. 4 has been closed due to security reasons.

Rahul Pal (23), a photographer by profession, working for the last six years near the Gateway. is now finding it difficult to make a living.

(Agencies)

( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by APakistanNews.Com.)

Mumbai attack takes heavy toll on Taj neighbourhood

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