The proposed beach love festival in Visakhapatnam is creating lot of controversey in AP. Some political parties are opposed to this programme and they want the CM of AP Chandrababu to cancel this.
People say this is not our culture. Bikini festival is not our culture said several leaders and wanted the TDP and the BJP ruling the state to answer over this programme.
Principal Secretary (Tourism) N. Srikanth tried to allay the fears of people who are enraged at the government’s plan to host Beach Love Festival in Visakhapatnam in February 2017.
Referring to reports appearing in a section of the media, Mr. Srikanth said the Telugu culture and its essence would be protected at every step. “For us, the culture of the State is paramount and there would be no compromise on that score,” he said.
He said the Deputy Collector (Visakhapatnam) would personally accord final approval at every point to the authorities who are charged with the responsibility of holding the event in terms of content and ideas.
All activities proposed by the organisers would be cleared by that District Collector in consultation with the stakeholders and as per the norms and procedures laid down.
The proposed Beach Love Festival plan has triggered a major outcry with women activists and the Opposition parties launching a scathing attack on the Chandrababu Naidu Government accusing it of resorting to ‘derogatory’ means to promote tourism in the State.
Mr. Srikanth said tourism was growing at a steady pace and it would provide direct and indirect employment to the locals. “It will also put the State on to the global map bringing international tourists to the State to explore its vast and rich culture, heritage and scenic beauty.
He said the sunrise State of Andhra Pradesh had witnessed increase in tourism footfalls in the last two years and this was solely because of the several initiatives taken by the AP Tourism in showcasing the richness of the State on the national and global platforms.
He said the AP Tourism would continue its efforts in the same direction to make the State the most sought after destination for tourists from India and abroad.
