The government has abandoned its plan to collect an entry fee from visitors to Rushikonda Beach in Vizag, the only beach in the State with Blue Flag certification, due to strong resistance from the public, various organizations, and people's representatives. State IT Minister Gudivada Amarnath clarified that no entry fee would be imposed on beachgoers.

Minister Amarnath emphasized, "While the Central government proposed user charges for beach visitors, the State government has made the decision to cover all expenses related to beach maintenance." This announcement came after the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) issued a press release on Friday, stating its intention to collect an entry fee for Rushikonda Beach in Vizag, citing the escalating maintenance costs.

However, this move faced criticism from all segments of society, and organizations like CITU took to the streets to protest against it. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, the MLA of Visakha North constituency, strongly criticized the YSRCP government, accusing it of making decisions that are against the interests of the people. Activists from CITU staged a protest at Jagadamba junction, vehemently opposing the government's decision.

During the gathering, B Ganga Rao, the corporator of the 78th ward, stated, "The government is already collecting garbage cess, and now their plan to impose user charges on beach visitors will further burden the common man."

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