Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena Party leader Pawan Kalyan visited Rushikonda Hill today, where he inspected the controversial tourism resort structures that have been at the center of a heated political and environmental debate. Accompanied by other ministers and party leaders, Kalyan toured the luxurious buildings, which were constructed during the tenure of the previous YSRCP government.
Officially designated as a tourism resort, the project has long been a point of contention. The TDP-Janasena alliance has accused the previous administration of building what they claim is a private residence for former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, with the project costing over Rs 500 crore.
During the inspection, Kalyan pointed out several issues with the structures, including peeling plaster, water leakage, and damaged fixtures. He criticized the lavish expenditure, highlighting that while the earlier Haritha resorts on the hill generated an annual income of Rs 7 crore, the new resort is incurring an electricity bill of Rs 1.8 crore alone.
Kalyan sharply condemned the previous government’s use of public funds, accusing them of violating Coastal Regulation Zone norms and damaging the ecologically sensitive area for the construction of what he described as a “palace.” He emphasized that the current administration plans to place the site under the control of the tourism department, rather than allowing it to remain as part of the Chief Minister’s residential complex.
The project, originally intended to cost around Rs 164 crore for seven blocks, has now surged to Rs 453 crore, despite only four blocks being partially completed. Kalyan expressed concerns over the escalating costs, saying, “When they originally planned for seven blocks, the estimate was Rs 164 crore. Now, it’s reached Rs 453 crore, but only for four blocks.”
To make the project more financially viable, Kalyan proposed transforming Rushikonda into a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) hub. This would position Visakhapatnam as a destination for business tourism and help generate long-term revenue from the substantial public investment. “If Rs 453 crore of public money is spent, there must be a clear plan for when the project will break even,” he said.
Kalyan announced two immediate actions: a building safety audit and a study of potential revenue models. He also revealed that the Jana Sena Party would present a detailed proposal to the Chief Minister for a final decision on the project’s future by this winter. Additionally, Kalyan emphasized that the state government would take up the issue for further discussion in the upcoming Assembly session to bring transparency to the project’s costs and purpose.
Kalyan’s visit and remarks have once again intensified the political debate surrounding the Rushikonda project, making it a focal point for allegations of corruption and wasteful spending by the previous government.
Image Source: Raju Shinde/HT Photo
