Rushikonda Beach entry fee: Andhra govt rolls back decision after protests
The state government, Tourism department, and AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will bear the expense to maintain Rushikonda Beach.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 10 July 2023 6:22 AM GMT
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh state government has rolled back the decision to charge Rs 20 from people visiting Rushikonda Beach.
It follows the opposition by Telugu Desam Party, CPI(M), and resident welfare associations.
Minister for Industries and IT Gudivada Amarnath said there will be no entry fee for Rushikonda Beach.
“The decision to collect the entry fee was taken by the Centre for developing and maintaining the Rushikonda beach. However, the state government has decided not to burden the citizens," he said.
The state government, Tourism department, and AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will bear the expense to maintain Rushikonda Beach.
According to tourism officials, on average, Rushikonda Beach attracts over 10,000 visitors on weekends. The lifeguards have been doing a great job to ensure the safety of beachgoers. The inflow of tourists to Rushikonda beach has been increasing and the expenditure for the management of the beach also doubled.
APTDC has been paying Rs six lakh a month as wages to cleaners, security guards, and lifeguards at Rushikonda Beach. APTDC floated tenders for creating more facilities for visitors.
Similar rules are applicable in blue-flag certified beaches at Kovalam in Tamil Nadu, Golden Beach in Puri of Odisha, Kappad Beach in Kerala, and Kasarkod Beach in Karnataka. Authorities have fixed an entry fee between Rs 20 and Rs 50 on the recommendation of Society of Integrated Coastal Management.
