Three-capital reminder: Rushikonda Hill constructions remain unsolved

As the Lok Sabha passed the Bill making Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, a massive structure next to the scenic Rushikonda Beach continues to spark debate, standing as the only reminder of the former government’s three-capital proposal in the State.

It all traces back to August 2021, when the existing Haritha Tourism Resort of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) atop Rushikonda hill was demolished as part of what was initially described as a tourism facelift project. However, concerns escalated when construction activity rapidly expanded across the hill. Leaders of the NDA alleged that more than 60 acres of land was cleared for construction.