Rushikonda – A Hill Of Violation Of Rules!

The YCP government, led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is continuing with its efforts to establish Vizag as the executive capital. Despite the three-capital proposal being sub-judice, the Rushikonda Hill in the Port City is being readied to function as the power hub.

The fact-finding committee of the ministry of environment and forest, constituted by the High Court confirmed that the construction works taken up at the Hill were progressing in violation of the rules.

The AP tourism department demolished the existing structures at the hill and began works at the same place saying it would improve and provide modern facilities for tourists.

However, in the report given to the High Court, the fact-finding committee said that the works in progress seem to be relating to big corporate and government offices but not that of tourism department.

Further, the committee said that digging and construction works were done in violation of rules at the hill. Works were executed in violation of the permission given by the MoEF, it said. The MoEF had accorded permission for construction works in 9.88 acres but works were taken up in 17.96 acres.

The GVMC was also faulted for remaining a silent spectator, while the Corporation is supposed to ensure that the builders do not resort to irregularities and stick to the permission accorded by the authorities.

The Rushikonda Hill falls under the coastal regulation zone-2 (CRZ-2), as part of which only works of the tourism department alone can be taken up at the site.

But the government reportedly has plans to construct the CM’s house atop the Rushikonda Hill. All these construction works are in violation of the CRZ rules. The government had granted Rs 200 crore for the construction works at the Rushikonda Hill.

The opposition parties are planning to file a petition against the GVMC too for being hand-in-glove with the YCP government and remaining a silent spectator, instead of taking action against the violations.

The High Court hearing was held in connection with petitions filed by Vizag East TDP MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna and Jana Sena leader PVNN Murthy Yadav, alleging violation of the CRZ rules at the Rushikonda Hill located in Endada village. YCP rebel MP Raghu Ramakrishna Raju also filed an implead petition urging the court to hear to his arguments too.