During an inspection, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao found several lapses such as lack of coordination among officials of various departments, encroachment by vendors, safety and security shortcomings and a lack of amenities on the beach.
| Photo Credit: File photo
Amid the district administration’s efforts to restore the ‘Blue Flag’ status to Rushikonda Beach, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao inspected the beach to identify issues.
During the inspection, Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao found several lapses such as lack of coordination among officials of various departments, encroachment by vendors, safety and security shortcomings and a lack of amenities.
Speaking to media persons, Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao highlighted the need for coordination among the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Visakhapatnem Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and the Tourism and Police departments. He said a coordination meeting would soon be conducted under the leadership of District Collector to discuss this matter.
“In 2014, there were about 44 shops on Rushikonda. Now, they have increased to about 170, owing to an increase in footfall and business opportunities. We have also observed footpath encroachments,” he said, adding that the problems would be resolved without causing any losses to the businesses.
Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao also said that inadequacies in facilities such as toilets, drinking water and CCTV cameras should be addressed and the traffic problem resolved. Earlier, there was the street dog menace, which was solved by the GVMC, he said.
He said Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh, who is on an official tour abroad, would visit the beach as soon as he returns to the State.
He also said the government would also take steps to appoint a private operator, who will be given the responsibility to maintain the beach, address if there are any issues and come up with ideas to generate revenue.
Published – March 09, 2025 11:33 pm IST