Visakhapatnam: The state cabinet sub-committee on the Rushikonda structures is meeting on Wednesday to discuss the utilisation of the luxury palatial complex. The committee would propose transforming the structures into a revenue-generating asset. It would suggest either an open auction of the structures or other available options.
Committee Visit and Previous Meetings
Before the meeting on Wednesday, the committee will visit the structures on Rushikonda hill, located beside Rushikonda Beach. The committee comprises social welfare minister and Visakhapatnam district in-charge minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjeaneya Swamy, finance minister Payyavula Keshav, and tourism minister Kandula Durgesh. They have reportedly submitted their recommendations. This will be the sixth meeting since the committee was appointed, with the last meeting held on April 7 at the state secretariat.
Background of the Rushikonda Complex
The previous YSRCP government constructed the structures atop Rushikonda Hill after demolishing the existing Harita Resorts, a tourism department property. The estimated cost of construction was around Rs 450 crore. Currently, the government is spending approximately Rs 20 lakh monthly on maintenance of the buildings. Sources indicate that more than Rs 10 lakh is spent on electricity, while another Rs 10 lakh goes towards housekeeping, gardening, and other maintenance activities.
Interest from Global Hospitality Chains
According to sources, several global hospitality chains and other entities have expressed interest in taking over the structures. However, no concrete action has been taken so far. The official utilisation and allocation of the Rushikonda buildings await final approval and directions from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the cabinet.
