Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam’s coastline has become the centre of a heated debate following the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to permit liquor sales through beach shacks under GO No. 363. The move has drawn sharp criticism from fishermen’s associations, women’s groups, and environmental activists, who argue that the policy threatens public safety, marine ecosystems, and the city’s cultural identity.
Vasupalli Janakiram, state honorary president of the national fishermen association, condemned the decision, warning that it would turn Vizag into a replica of Goa’s liquor-tourism model. He raised concerns about women’s safety, family-friendly public spaces, and the potential rise in drunken-driving incidents and law-and-order problems. He questioned who would take responsibility if intoxicated individuals misbehaved with women and families visiting the beaches.
Janakiram also highlighted the environmental risks, citing studies by Andhra University and European institutions that document alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Bay of Bengal near Visakhapatnam. He argued that liquor sales would worsen marine contamination, harm fish production, and damage biodiversity. Instead of promoting alcohol, he urged the government to strengthen sewage treatment facilities and prioritise eco-friendly tourism.
He criticised the government’s reliance on social media influencers in policy-making, recalling past controversies such as semi-nude performances at yacht festivals that, he said, tarnished the city’s cultural image. Women’s organisations, fishermen’s associations, and civil society groups have united in opposition to the policy, calling it anti-people, anti-environment, and a direct threat to women’s dignity.
Janakiram announced the launch of the “Save Vizag” movement, a campaign aimed at mobilising public opinion through social media, digital outreach, public meetings, posters, and awareness programmes. He vowed to protect Vizag’s culture, environment, and livelihoods from the adverse effects of liquor tourism, emphasising that the city belongs to its people.
The campaign’s slogan is: “Save Vizag – Our Vizag, We Will Protect It.” The key demands of the campaign include the immediate cancellation of GO No. 363, a ban on liquor sales at beach shacks, protection of the marine ecosystem, improvement of sewage treatment systems, ensuring women’s safety, and the promotion of ecotourism, spiritual tourism, and heritage tourism. Notable destinations highlighted for tourism promotion include Araku Valley, Lambasingi, Borra Caves, and Simhachalam Temple.
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