Visakhapatnam: Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh raised the blue flag at Rushikonda Beach on Monday, marking the restoration of prestigious international certification, which acknowledges high environmental and quality standards.
The minister announced in the media that the certification (temporarily withdrawn by the Danish certification body) has now been restored. He attributed the error to “negligence of the former government” and informed that corrective measures were taken immediately.
“The Blue Flag Certification will greatly promote international tourism,” he said. “The special program led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will ensure that this status is permanently retained.” The minister stressed that public participation is needed to maintain certification for the next decade. “Keeping the beach is a shared responsibility,” he noted.
To increase the attractiveness of the tourism industry, Durgesh announced plans to introduce international food stands, beach snacks and beverages while ensuring local communities, especially fishermen, do not face disruption to their livelihoods. He warned that strict action will be taken against illegal land alienation in the area.
Durgesh highlighted the government’s new tourism policy that gave industry status to it. “With a 974km coastline, Andhra Pradesh has great tourism potential and we are committed to sustainable development,” he said. “Rushikonda is not only another beach, but also has special significance and we have worked hard to restore this certification.”
After the ceremony, the minister distributed life jackets and praised APTDC Managing Director Amrapali Kata for his efforts to improve the tourism sector.
