Vanjangi Hills (popular as Meghala Konda) in Paderu Mandal of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Tourists assemble in this area during winter mornings to witness the white fluffy clouds at the peaks of the hills. Recently, however, the local police have stepped up some restrictions in Vanjangi Hills in lieu of security measures. Special Sub-Inspector of Police, Laxman told News 18 Telugu that tourists are not allowed to travel to this area from 05:00 PM and 03:00 AM. He said that this ban has been imposed at night because some groups were found causing trouble to tourists under the influence of alcohol post sunset. According to him, this ban has helped them in curbing the traffic in this spot this year, compared to 2022.
The SSI also talked about other preventive measures taken to curb the issue of hooliganism in Vanjangi Hills. According to him, the administration has also cancelled the permit for certain items on Vanjangi Hill. Also, he said further, that it is forbidden to take alcohol bottles and plastic to the hill. The SSI said that those who wish to witness the clouds are advised to stay at Paderu town that night and leave at three o’clock in the morning. He also suggested that all vehicle owners should park their vehicles on the way to Kothavalasa Mandal of Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh.
Not only the anti-social elements, the bad condition of the roads leading to Vanjangi Hills has made things problematic, for the tourists and locals. This condition dominated the headlines in 2022 due to the accident of a tourist bus — which fell into a gorge. 15 tourists sitting in the bus were, however, fortunately, saved as the bus got stuck in between the trees. G Gopi Krishna, a native of Vizag city, said that the 6 6-kilometre stretch starting from the Paderu to Vanjangi Hills needs some repair work. “I was shocked to see the road leading to Vanjangi riddled with potholes; the road posing a threat to motorists.”
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