AP sanctions Rs.72 crore to make Rushikonda resorts world-class

Visakhapatnam The Haritha Beach Resorts owned by AP Tourism Development Corporation at Rushikonda, considered one of the best sea-facing locations for leisure tourists and B2Bb meetings, is ready for a major facelift.

The government issued a GO on June 25 sanctioning Rs.72 crore to APTDC for redevelopment of the resorts as a world-class destination for tourists. Earlier, APTDC sought funding describing Rushikonda resorts as one of the top tourism destinations in the country.

Recent decision to ask a private hotelier to vacate and close the resort for bookings had fuelled speculation in various circles that spacious resorts may be considered for accommodating Chief Minister's Camp Office once executive capital is operational from Visakhapatnam.

There is also buzz that the resort may be given to a private hotelier or investor for management in future. Earlier, the government in the past had made multiple attempts to give the property on lease to private investors. Rushikonda is the most frequented travel destination for locals as well as outsiders. The beach in the area has been given the prestigious eco label 'Blue Flag' by Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

APTDC stated many of their properties were developed long back during the years 2000-2008 and now require refurbishment to improve facilities to the tourists. Among all the properties, Rushikonda resort is one of the best tourist destinations having a direct view of the scenic beauty of the sea. The old block was constructed in the years 1984-89 and the new block, restaurant and conference hall were constructed during the period from 2002-2007.

The government had earlier accorded administrative sanction for an amount of Rs.92 crore to APTDC for phase one of the project works comprising of site preparation and road connectivity works for the proposed redevelopment of the resort at Rushikonda and the expenditure shall be met from the capital head of account:for new tourism projects of APTDC.

On the advice of the government, MD, APTDC submitted a DPR along with the estimate for an amount of Rs.72 crore for redevelopment of the resorts under phase two.

The GO says after careful examination of the matter, the government hereby accorded administrative sanction for an amount of Rs.72 to the APTDC for construction of buildings under phase-two of the project.