No final decision yet on Bhavani Island lease

VIJAYAWADA: The lease of Bhavani Island in the Krishna river has taken a new turn with AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) vice-chairman and managing director Sandeep Kumar Sultania informing the Lokayukta on March 20 that the issue was placed before the state government for its consideration.Appearing before the Lokayukta along with his counsel AK Narasimha Rao, Sultania said the government was yet to take a final decision on whether to accept the highest bid offered by a shipping company owned by a state minister, to invite fresh tenders for the tourism project or to study some other proposal.It was premature to give the details of the Bhavani Island project tenders now, he said.Sultania made it clear that the APTDC was not empowered to accept the tenders for the tourism project in Public Private Partnership mode.Bhavani Island is a major tourist attraction in Vijayawada. Devotees visiting Kanaka Durga temple, make a trip to the island, which is being run by the APTDC on sound lines.He is of the ‘view’ that there is no need to lease out the Bhavani Island. He appeared before the Lokayukta following a petition filed by Sai Krishna Azad of Vijayawada on the issue in November, 2011.After hearing, the Lokayukta directed the principal secretary for tourism to look into the allegations made by Azad, an advocate, in his petition. It also sought a report on the issue by July 19. It may recalled here that tourism minister Vatti Vasant Kumar during his visit to the city in February, said the government was leasing out Bhavani Island to Pratyusha Associates Fishing Limited owned by infrastructure and investments minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao for 53 years for Rs 289.87 crore.Following the disclosure, various parties launched an agitation against privatisation of the island.