*YSRCP warn against ‘Beach Shacks’*

Visakhapatnam, July 6: The YSRCP Women’s Wing staged a massive protest at RK Beach on Monday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Coalition Government’s orders permitting “Beach Shacks” that allow liquor outlets and bars along Andhra Pradesh’s coastline. Hundreds of women from across the state marched with black balloons and black ribbons, burnt copies of the government orders, and smashed liquor bottles on the beach, declaring that Visakhapatnam must remain a family-friendly tourist destination and not be turned into a hub for alcohol consumption. The leaders said the government was compromising women’s safety, public health and the peaceful character of Vizag in the name of creating wealth. They questioned whether the government intended to preserve Visakhapatnam as the “City of Destiny” or convert it into a destination for drinking. They also pointed out that beach areas are surrounded by residential colonies, educational institutions and places of worship, making liquor outlets wholly inappropriate. The women condemned the government for violating the spirit of coastal regulations and prioritising liquor revenue over public welfare. They said tourism can be promoted through sustainable development, not by encouraging alcohol culture on beaches. The YSRCP leaders also criticised the Coalition Government for ignoring Visakhapatnam’s potential as a major administrative and tourism hub while attempting to redefine its identity through liquor-based commercial activity. They stated that the people of Vizag want clean beaches, safe public spaces and healthy tourism—not bars and liquor shops. The protestors warned that if the government refuses to revoke the Beach Shacks policy immediately, the YSRCP Women’s Wing will intensify its agitation across Andhra Pradesh and ensure that liquor outlets are not allowed in any tourist destination. They asserted that no government has the right to endanger women’s safety and public health in the name of revenue generation, and said the Coalition Government would face a strong public response if it continues with the decision.