The same question now occupies the minds of many in the state: Why did Jagan order the demolition when he assumed office, citing violations of the Prajavedi rules? What is happening in Rushikonda? Are the ongoing constructions there in compliance with regulations? According to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, only structures suitable for tourism, such as rooms and resorts for tourists, are permitted to be built in such areas.
However, in Rushikonda, unauthorized construction seems to be taking place without adherence to these rules. The Central Forest and Environment Department’s committee has explicitly stated that these regulations have been violated.
This situation raises questions about Jagan’s previous actions of demolishing illegal buildings. How does he justify the ongoing constructions in Rushikonda? How can one reside in buildings that are being constructed in violation of the law? It’s important to note that Rushikonda falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Control Board (CRZ).
For the purpose of promoting tourism in such regions, only structures that cater to tourists’ needs should be erected. However, the ongoing construction is claiming to be for the Chief Minister’s office, under the guise of being beneficial for tourists. It’s important to emphasize that administrative offices are not allowed to be constructed within CRZ zones. Even in the submitted plan to the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), the buildings are named with tourist-themed titles like “Kalinga” and “Chola.” Yet, large-scale constructions for the Chief Minister’s office are being undertaken.
Harita Resorts Demolished:
The case of Harita Resorts serves as an example. Previously located in Rushikonda, these resorts consisted of 34 rooms built with central permission in 1984. Additional 25 rooms were constructed between 2004 and 2009, costing Rs. 15 crore. In 2019, modernization work costing two crore rupees was done on 22 rooms.
These resorts were generating an annual income of Rs. 30 crore for the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. However, Harita Resorts were demolished to make way for the new Chief Minister’s office in Visakhapatnam. Despite these buildings being structurally sound and profitable, they were torn down solely for the purpose of constructing the Chief Minister’s new office.
Visakha East TDP MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishnababu and Janasena corporator Murthyadav have separately filed cases in the High Court against the constructions in Rushikonda. MP Raghuramakrishna Raju has also lodged a complaint with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), accompanied by photographic evidence of the illegal constructions. The YSRCP government refuted these claims, but the High Court intervened and demanded the formation of a committee to provide a report based on on-site inspections.
A committee from the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment was established to evaluate the situation. Their report highlighted multiple violations of norms, including construction in areas exceeding permitted limits. In response, when questioned by the High Court, the government defended its actions, asserting that only a few regulations apply. Subsequently, the High Court instructed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) to take appropriate action in response to these violations.
