Plans to develop 20 stretches across AP

Vijayawada: As part of encouraging beach tourism, the tourism department has earmarked Rs 17 crore to develop 20 beaches across the state. The beaches include Antarvedi, Dindi, Uddanam, Konada, Nagayalanka, Visakhapatnam, Yarada, Kondakarla and Srikakulam.

The government has already taken a decision to complete the works by April this year. According to officials, the tourism department has focused on beach tourism and started works at beaches in Srikakulam and Guntur districts. Already 60 per cent of works were completed at Antarvedi beach. 

Similarly, the pushkar ghats are being planned at Nagayalanka in Krishna district. Facilities like toilets, food courts and boating arrangements will be provided at all beaches under the project. The nearest tourism locations of beaches also would be developed under the programme. 

The development works will be extended for important tourist spots like Midpennar dam, Thimmamma Marrimanu, Veerapuram, Nimmalakunta and Lepakshi in Anantapur district. 

The tourism department is spending Rs 3 crore for those works while Rs 6 crore will be spent for beach development in Vizag district alone. Rs 2 crore was allocated for development of Errantia Dibbell in Vizag beach road while a restaurant and snack bar are being setup at Arrau valley.

Likewise, the water sports will be introduced at Throatlash reservoir and basic amenities will be set up at Yarada beach with cost of 
Rs 50 lakh. 

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department principal secretary K Musketman Meneau said the government is giving utmost priority for beach tourism. He said that tourism authority director Hinman’s Shukria has been appointed as special officer to monitor the works.