While the Forum supports development in principle, it maintains that the already congested RK Beach area is unsuitable for such large-scale infrastructure
Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Citizens' Forum (GVCF) has raised serious concerns over the proposed Lulu project at the APIIC grounds near RK Beach in Vizag. In a letter to Vizag collector M.N. Harindra Prasad, Forum president Sohan Hatangadi highlighted the potential negative impacts of the Rs 1,500-crore project on urban planning, accessibility, environmental sustainability and the well-being of the local community.
While the Forum supports development in principle, it maintains that the already congested RK Beach area is unsuitable for such large-scale infrastructure. It has recommended relocating the project to suburban locations like Yendada, Madurawada, Bheemili or Pendurthi—areas that offer better accessibility, scope for infrastructure development and reduced pressure on urban congestion.
The GVCF noted that RK Beach attracts over 15,000 visitors on weekdays and up to 30,000 on weekends. The narrow roads in the area, coupled with the anticipated influx of attendees, VVIP vehicles and service providers for events, are likely to cause severe congestion. Residents already experience frequent disruptions due to events at the beach and the scale of the proposed project could worsen living conditions for the 15,000 people residing nearby. The Forum also flagged the project’s potential strain on waste management, energy consumption and its contribution to the heat island effect—warning that these could adversely affect the marine ecosystem and local climate.
The Forum further questioned the long-term leasing of public land for private development, particularly at a time when malls and multiplexes are facing a downturn across the country. Instead, it has advocated for transforming the APIIC grounds into green spaces, such as a botanical garden or a Miyawaki forest, to serve as an urban lung and recreational space for citizens. This sustainable alternative, the Forum argued, would prioritise environmental welfare and public interest over commercial objectives.
