EAS Sarma writes to GoI on constructions at Rushikonda

VISAKHAPATNAM: Former union government secretary E.A.S. Sarma has written to environment ministry secretary Leena Nandan over construction activities on Rushikonda being carried out in violation of the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) norms.

In his letter, Sarma said the CRZ clearance given for the construction work at Rushikonda will be valid only to the extent its regulations are followed.

“But APTDC has committed serious infringements by taking up construction in areas in excess of that permitted. It is also dumping construction waste in an unauthorised manner within the area covered by CRZ. This will have a long-term impact on the coastal ecology,” the former senior civil servant pointed out.

He further underlined that it has not been brought to the attention of the AP High Court that APTDC will put to use the developed area on Rushikonda not for tourism but other purposes, in violation of the CRZ clearance.