Archive · 22 Aug 2026
MLA Calls for Balance Between Coastal Development and Environmental Rules
Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao wants coastal areas to be protected while also being developed.
He said some environmental rules are making useful public projects difficult to complete.
One example is a proposed ecology park at Sagar Nagar Beach.
The park is estimated to cost ₹15 crore and is still pending.
Some parts of the beach road also do not have restaurants or visitor facilities.
Ganta said a temple at Simhachalam needs a road, drinking water, toilets and shade for visitors.
Forest authorities have objected to some of these proposed facilities.
He believes each project should follow environmental rules while still helping people and tourists.
Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao urged balance between environmental safeguards and coastal development.
He said CRZ and Forest law restrictions were delaying public infrastructure and tourism projects.
A proposed ₹15-crore ecology park at Sagar Nagar Beach remains pending after Forest department objections.
The Visakhapatnam-Bheemili Beach Road lacks restaurants and visitor facilities along several stretches.
Ganta sought roads, water, toilets and shelters for devotees visiting Kalabhairava Swamy Temple at Simhachalam.
- Who
- Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, the state government and Forest authorities.
- What
- A request to balance Coastal Regulation Zone and Forest law restrictions with public infrastructure and tourism development.
- When
- During a recent discussion in the State Legislative Assembly; no exact date was provided.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam’s coastline, including the Visakhapatnam-Bheemili Beach Road, Sagar Nagar Beach and Simhachalam.
- Why
- To provide public amenities and support tourism while protecting ecologically sensitive areas.
Development and Public Amenities
Environmental Protection and Regulation
Coastal projects
Development and Public Amenities
Ganta Srinivasa Rao says legally permissible infrastructure and tourism works should not be blocked and that visitors need more facilities.
Environmental Protection and Regulation
Environmental safeguards under Coastal Regulation Zone and Forest laws should continue to protect ecologically sensitive coastal areas.
Sagar Nagar ecology park
Development and Public Amenities
The proposed ₹15-crore ecology park could improve the beach’s tourism appeal, according to the MLA’s development-focused argument.
Environmental Protection and Regulation
The project remains pending following objections from the Forest department, reflecting regulatory concerns about the site.
Temple amenities
Development and Public Amenities
Ganta says devotees at Kalabhairava Swamy Temple need an approach road, water, toilets and shaded shelters urgently.
Environmental Protection and Regulation
Forest authorities have objected to proposals for some facilities, indicating that amenities must be assessed within environmental restrictions.
- MLA
- Ganta Srinivasa Rao, representing Bheemili
- Main issue
- Restrictions under Coastal Regulation Zone and Forest laws
- Ecology park
- A proposed ₹15-crore project at Sagar Nagar Beach
- Beach road
- The Visakhapatnam-Bheemili Beach Road lacks facilities along several stretches
- Temple visitors
- Kalabhairava Swamy Temple attracts nearly 40,000 devotees on Amavasya days
- Requested temple facilities
- An approach road, drinking water, toilets and shaded shelters
- Policy position
- Ganta called for project-by-project solutions combining development and conservation