Andhra Pradesh NGT project faces red signal

The plan to make Andhra Pradesh a massive tourist destination by opening 70 beaches along its shoreline has received a major jolt, with the red signal from National Green Tribunal (NGT).An official from Tourism Department said, "State is only next to Andaman and Nicobar and Gujarat in terms of a State having longest coast line in the country. And, relatively it remains unexplored and now the government wants to exploit its tourism potential”  Dotting relatively calm locations in the State, over 70 beaches were planned to establish a new brand titled ‘Sun Raise State.

The State Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) had already developed tourism related infrastructure in first phase. Apparently, the second phase is to be carried out under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Since private entities have come into picture, officials are insisting adherence to the Coastal Zone Regulations. Now, after preparation of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is required to take the project forward. Besides, if any one complains, these projects then will have to pass the NGT’s test too, they clarified.

Tages : Andhra Pradesh , NGT project faces,  red signal , National Green Tribunal , APTDC