Andhra Pradesh tourism corpn steps in for clean and safe Rushikonda beach

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has enlisted the support of a private agency for manpower supply to maintain the pristine Rushikonda Beach, the sole Blue Flag Beach in Andhra Pradesh, as part of its operation and maintenance efforts.
Despite incurring losses, APTDC is dedicated to providing enhanced amenities to beachgoers, which align with the 33 parameters necessary to uphold the Blue Flag Beach status.These amenities include purified (RO) water, bio-toilets, and more.
Srinivasa Pani, the regional director of APTDC, said that the corporation invests Rs 13 lakh per month to cover beach maintenance, including shift-based manpower, cleaning materials, and other essential resources. The private agency, which supplies manpower for Puri's Blue Flag Beach, is now extending its services to Rushikonda Beach.
As per Blue Flag certification requirements, all Blue Flag beaches are expected to charge entry fees. However, the government has chosen not to impose entry fees on visitors.
APTDC invests Rs 3 lakh from department funds and generates just Rs 10 lakh from various sources at the beach.
To maintain the certification as a clean beach, APTDC must obtain a clean water certificate from the Pollution Control Board every month. The Blue Flag certification is granted annually, with authorities conducting an assessment each November to determine its continuation, according to the regional director.