The now-defunct tourist attraction at Borra Caves, the Zipline that offers a stunning view of the Eastern Ghats, is likely to resume its service soon. The state government is keen on reviving the facility before the start of the tourist season. (Image: DC)
Visakhapatnam: The now-defunct tourist attraction at Borra Caves, the Zipline that offers a stunning view of the Eastern Ghats, is likely to resume its service soon. The state government is keen on reviving the facility before the start of the tourist season.
The Zipline was previously managed under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement between the state tourism development corporation and the Adventure Zone Sports Club. Its operations stopped due to disputes with the local Borra panchayat.
This tourist facility used to be patronized by around 400 tourists during the weekends, from 9:30am to 6pm for a charge of Rs 500 per tourist. The zipline’s operations were halted nearly four months ago.
The state government has intervened to revive the facility and proposed that the APTDC manage it. The government would refund the investment made to the Adventure Zone Sports Club.
Regional director of APTDC, P Srinivas, informed Deccan Chronicle that the Borra Panchayat raised allegations against Adventure Zone Sports Club, claiming that the zipline was operated without necessary permissions from PESA and the Gram Sabha.
Adventure Zone Sports Club claimed that they had obtained all the permissions before erecting the zipline. The panchayat also raised its concern about Adventure Zone Sports Club's operations in the 5th schedule area.
Srinivas said, “At this juncture, we cannot kill the project. We would proceed with the zipline and are confident of running it successfully.”
During recent discussions in the Borra Panchayat Gram Sabha, a decision was taken to run the zipline under ‘Borra Zipline Development Koyitiguda Society. The petitions were handed over to ASR district collector Dinesh Kumar.
In a related complaint, village sarpanch Jenni Apparao said the tourism department did not give 20 per cent of Borra's tourism income to Borra Panchayat as had been promised. In response, the APTDC expressed its concern over a “lack of transparency in financial statements” vis-a-vis the money given to the Borra Panchayat. It sought valid utility certificates.
APTDC has affirmed that it would deposit the 20 per cent share of the Borra Caves tourism revenue with the panchayat through the collector's office.
Meanwhile, plans are on to change the PPP mode and make the zipline a government-owned project. Srinivas The government would likely launch the zipline next month and protect the interests of all stakeholders, Srinivas said.
This tourist facility used to be patronized by around 400 tourists during the weekends, from 9:30am to 6pm for a charge of Rs 500 per tourist. The zipline’s operations were halted nearly four months ago.
The state government has intervened to revive the facility and proposed that the APTDC manage it. The government would refund the investment made to the Adventure Zone Sports Club.
Regional director of APTDC, P Srinivas, informed Deccan Chronicle that the Borra Panchayat raised allegations against Adventure Zone Sports Club, claiming that the zipline was operated without necessary permissions from PESA and the Gram Sabha.
Adventure Zone Sports Club claimed that they had obtained all the permissions before erecting the zipline. The panchayat also raised its concern about Adventure Zone Sports Club's operations in the 5th schedule area.
Srinivas said, “At this juncture, we cannot kill the project. We would proceed with the zipline and are confident of running it successfully.”
During recent discussions in the Borra Panchayat Gram Sabha, a decision was taken to run the zipline under ‘Borra Zipline Development Koyitiguda Society. The petitions were handed over to ASR district collector Dinesh Kumar.
In a related complaint, village sarpanch Jenni Apparao said the tourism department did not give 20 per cent of Borra's tourism income to Borra Panchayat as had been promised. In response, the APTDC expressed its concern over a “lack of transparency in financial statements” vis-a-vis the money given to the Borra Panchayat. It sought valid utility certificates.
APTDC has affirmed that it would deposit the 20 per cent share of the Borra Caves tourism revenue with the panchayat through the collector's office.
Meanwhile, plans are on to change the PPP mode and make the zipline a government-owned project. Srinivas The government would likely launch the zipline next month and protect the interests of all stakeholders, Srinivas said.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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