The Andhra Pradesh government has formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) to determine the future of the Rushikonda resort in Visakhapatnam. This decision follows controversy surrounding the resort, which was constructed by the previous YSRCP government at a cost of approximately ₹450-500 crore. The GoM is tasked with examining the property and recommending the best possible utilization model for it.

The formation of the GoM was prompted by a visit to the site by Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief, Pawan Kalyan. Kalyan criticized the previous administration for alleged misuse of public funds and violation of environmental norms during the resort's construction. He also highlighted issues such as peeling plaster and water leakages, while noting the significant increase in the project's cost from an initial estimate of ₹164 crore to ₹453 crore. Kalyan proposed repurposing the buildings into a hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), or as a destination for weddings, suggesting that the property should remain under government ownership to ensure it serves the public interest and generates long-term revenue.

The GoM consists of three members: * Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh (Chairman) * Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav * Social Welfare Minister Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy

The Special Chief Secretary of the Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department will convene the GoM. The Managing Director of AP Tourism will provide necessary support. The GoM has the authority to invite special representatives from other departments if needed.

The Rushikonda resort project has faced criticism for allegedly damaging the ecology of the Rushikonda hills through extensive excavations. The previous government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, intended to shift the state capital to Visakhapatnam, with the Rushikonda property serving as his residential quarters, office, and conference rooms. However, with the TDP's victory in the recent elections and the revival of the Amaravati capital project, the Rushikonda mansion was left unused. The TDP has since pointed to it as an example of wasteful expenditure by the previous government.

The GoM is expected to consider the recommendations put forth by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and other stakeholders. The committee is mandated to submit its recommendations to the government at the earliest. The government will then make a final decision on the future of the Rushikonda property.