Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan proposes to utilise Rushikonda structures as MICE destination

Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) president K. Pawan Kalyan has announced that the JSP will pass a resolution to utilise the Rushikonda buildings as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination. He said that though there were suggestions to use it as Science Museum, etc, this decision aims to ensure meaningful returns on the over ₹450 crore spent on the project by the previous government.

“The erstwhile A.P. Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) resorts at Rushikonda used to generate ₹7 crore per annum. There is a need for these newly constructed buildings to generate proportionate returns, which can be directed toward public welfare. When a private individual invests such an amount, they expect returns. The government must think similarly to justify such public expenditure,” he remarked.

He made these statements while conducting a review meeting with the JSP representatives, after inspecting the Rushikonda buildings on Friday. He was accompanied by Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh and other JSP leaders, who were in the city for the ‘Sena Tho Senani’ event.

Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) president K Pawan Kalyan inspects the bathroom facilities at the Rushikonda buildings in Visakhapatnam on Friday.
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Further, a decision should be also taken at the earliest, pointing out that the buildings are currently incurring electricity charges of about ₹1.5 crore annually. He also suggested to finalise a decision before the winter sets in, emphasising Visakhapatnam’s potential as a prime destination for weddings and large events during tourist season which starts year-end. He also expressed confidence that the city could attract significant footfall through MICE tourism.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan also made it clear that while the property should generate revenue, it must remain under government ownership and not be handed over to private entities.

Ceiling collapses

During his visit, the Deputy CM discovered parts of the ceiling had collapsed and water leakages in the CMO block of the constructions. He immediately ordered a comprehensive safety and quality audit of the entire construction and also directed the officials to initiate housekeeping measures to maintain cleanliness.

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan inspects the damaged ceiling and water leakages inside the Rushikonda buildings in Visakhapatnam on Friday.
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He further criticised the previous government for turning nearly 10 acres of prime land into private project, under the guise of redeveloping existing government resorts. He noted that over ₹10 crore was spent on furniture and ₹35 crore on lavish interior decor, along with several environmental violations.

Minister Nadendla Manohar stated that Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh is expected to move the MICE proposal with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu soon.