Bapatla District Collector V. Vinod Kumar inspects mangroves at Chinaganjam in the district on Saturday. | Photo credit: ARRANGEMENT
Bapatla District Collector V. Vinod Kumar said on Saturday that efforts are underway to develop beaches in Chinnaganjam mandal into attractive tourist destinations to boost local livelihood and economic activity.
Accompanied by officials from the Forest, Finance and Fisheries Departments, the Collector undertook a boat trip across the backwaters from Romperu Amin Nagar to Etimoga to survey the mangrove forests and assess the tourism potential of the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinod Kumar said plans would be prepared to develop beaches in Chinnaganjam Mandal on the lines of popular Suryalanka and Chirala beaches. He directed officials of the concerned unions to formulate a comprehensive strategy to transform the region into a prominent tourist destination capable of attracting visitors from across the country.
The Collector said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu envisioned the development of nearly 900 km of coastline in the state to boost tourism and generate more revenue.
Highlighting livelihood opportunities, he said women belonging to self-help groups could be supported through bank loans to set up micro-enterprises such as cloth bag-making units and food stalls serving traditional fish curry and fried fish to tourists.
He noted that tourists from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu frequent coastal destinations, especially on weekends.
Officials from the forest, fisheries, tourism, police, finance and fire departments along with local residents participated in the inspection.
Published – 16 May 2026 23:34 IST
