APTDC has sent proposals to the Union ministry of tourism to get funds
Representational image
Visakhapatnam: Call it an attempt to swindle funds or a goof up of sorts, APTDC has sent proposals to the Union ministry of tourism to get funds under Central Financial Assistance (CFA). The tourism infrastructure at Lambasingi, which is often termed as Andhra’s Kashmir due to its lowest temperatures during winter, has been damaged due to Hudhud last year. However, in reality there is not even a single property which belongs to the APTDC and plans to build a resort along with an ecotourism project is still in the pipeline since more than two years.
Meanwhile, to the proposals sent by the APTDC, the Union tourism ministry had sanctioned Rs 4.6 crore for Lambasingi and released Rs 93 lakhs as the first instalment. Last week, State Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture department released GO RT No. 132 regarding ‘administrative sanction for an amount of Rs 3,60,25,000 under plan provisions 2015-16 to the commissioner of tourism, Hyderabad for restoration and reconstruction of tourism infrastructure at various places in Visakhapatnam under post-Hudhud cyclone programme.
Of the Rs 3.6 crore, Rs 93 lakhs belonged to the restoration and reconstruction of tourism infrastructure at Lambasingi. Union tourism ministry had sanctioned a total Rs 16.4 crore for restoration and reconstruction of tourism infrastructure at Araku, Borra Caves, Anantagiri, Tyda and Lambasingi in Vizag Agency.
However, APTDC has presence at only four places mentioned in the GO in the form of resorts and other facilities. “It is unfortunate that APTDC has sent wrong proposals and we can imagine the intention behind it. There is not even a single cement bench belonging to APTDC at Lambasingi,” said tribal rights activist, Ganjivarapu Srinivas. Meanwhile, when contacted, APTDC GM, G. Bhima Shankar Rao said his head office staff has sent proposals to the Centre.
( Source : dc )
Next Story
