Bhatkal: The ban on big currency notes must have not affected the people with black money, but in general, the demonetization effect is visible in almost all sectors of social lives. The people with huge amounts packed in their lockers are rapidly getting their money exchanged illegally through paying commissions of 20-30%, whereas the conditions of daily-wage workers needs no explanation. On one side there are no customers at the shops, construction work has halted due to no currency notes to pay for labor, on other side the poor and wage workers are in a miserable situation due to no employment.

The tourist hotspot Murdeshwar is no exception from others in witnessing the decline in business with regard to demonetization effect. The famous tourist spot of Bhatkal taluka, which is usually abuzz with thousands of tourists from all over the nation, have seen a tremendous decline in the number of tourists since demonetization order. The Murdeshwar beach has taken the look of desertion due to lack of tourists and saints who visit the temple.

The month of October witnesses the beginning of tourists who come to enjoy the Murdeshwar beach and devotees who come to the temple for darshan. An average of around 35-40 thousand people visit the spot daily, and on some occasions the numbers increase to more than 60 thousand tourists per day. Talking about the income of the district, apart from Gokrana, Murdeshwar provides highest income to the district with regard to tourism. Apart from tourism, Murdeshwar is a source of income for thousands of locals. From small shops to large hotels, the increase in number of lodges every coming year is a proof in itself for increase in number of tourists. But, the recent demonetization has brought a shock wave for Murdeshwar which is highly being affected after the mandate.

The roads of Murdeshwar which are filled with thousands of devotees are empty. The lodges, hotels and other places are deserted. Although there are no tourists at the spot at present, the district administration is planning to begin the developmental work on the beach. The cleaning campaign is being carried out at the beach with the help of locals.

After such a vacated look, it would be interesting to see as to when the place will regain its glamor and charm of tourist-filled beaches and devotee-clad temples. And when will the bad days of hardworking laborers come to an end who slogs every minute of the day with the hope of seeing some good days in future.