APTDC probes alleged misuse of restaurant

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is investigating the alleged misuse of its restaurant Bay Watch, which is located on Bheemili Beach Road. Vizag district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad has assigned APTDC district tourism officer Gyanaveni Kunche to investigate the matter.

JS leaders complained to the Public Grievance Redressal Platform (PGRS), alleging that some YSRC leaders misused APTDC properties for personal gain by constructing new properties. The APTDC restaurant was leased after being built on a two-acre plot of land. It features rooms with distinctive toddy tree-leaf rooftops and a children's cricket play area.

According to the complaint, YSRC leaders had used their political influence to obtain leases at minimal rates. Furthermore, JS leaders accused YSRC leaders of extending their occupation beyond the restaurant's boundaries into an area under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Control Board.

Jana Sena leader Peethala Murthy Yadav alleges that constructing new guest houses and renting rooms at exorbitant prices violated regulations. Yadav emphasises that the APTDC property should be used under the lease agreement and not exploited for personal gain. Complaints were also made against the sale of liquor in Bay Watch; with claims that liquor was being resold at higher prices by private individuals. Murthy Yadav's continuous complaints in PGRS led to the inquiry.

When Deccan Chronicle contacted Gyanaveni Kunche for comment, she confirmed that the collector had instructed the tourism department to investigate the matter thoroughly. Gyanaveni said, "I have visited the site and am preparing a comprehensive report, which I will promptly submit to the collector."