Activist Protests Proposed Beach Shacks Policy in Kakinada
Kakinada, June 18 (TNT): Social activist Dusarlapudi Ramanaraju staged a protest at NTR Beach here on Thursday against the state government’s reported decision to permit beach shacks along the coastline on the lines of Goa.
Holding a placard and raising slogans, Ramanaraju urged the government to withdraw the proposal, alleging that the move could have a negative impact on youth and lead to increased alcohol consumption in coastal areas.
Addressing mediapersons, he claimed that liquor sales in Andhra Pradesh rose to 414 lakh cases during 2025-26 from 362 lakh cases in the previous year.
He also alleged that state revenue from liquor increased from ₹37,487 crore to ₹44,000 crore during the period.
The activist further alleged that liquor worth around ₹1,425 crore was being sold annually in Kakinada district and claimed that alcohol was often sold at prices higher than the notified rates due to the presence of syndicates.
He also alleged the existence of unofficial belt shops and large-scale liquor smuggling from border areas.
According to Ramanaraju, the district has 156 liquor outlets and 20 retail bars, with daily liquor sales estimated at ₹13-15 crore.
He expressed concern that people in the 15-25 age group were increasingly being drawn towards alcohol consumption, resulting in adverse physical, financial and social consequences.
The activist also alleged that Kakinada district had emerged as a hub for the smuggling of ganja, gutka and other narcotic substances.
Stating that the government should reconsider its decision on beach shacks, Ramanaraju warned that public opposition could intensify if the proposal was implemented.
He also claimed that sections of the public were dissatisfied with the government’s functioning.
No official response was immediately available on the allegations made by the activist.
TNT TMR
