Paderu to turn a winter tourist destination

VISAKHAPATNAM: With central government offering a cable car system connecting six important locations including Lambasingi, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) of Paderu has lined up several projects in the agency area with costs ranging from ₹ 50 lakh to ₹ 3 crore.

Some of these works have already started at different locations following an increase in tourist footfalls over the years.

Under reorganisation of districts, the new Alluri Seetharamaraju district with Paderu as headquarters has emerged as the most environment friendly region and is set to become a major tourist attraction. With temperatures in the area falling at times to five degrees Celsius, Lambasingi has become popular and places like Vanjangi, Chaparai and Tajangi have also started drawing tourists.

“Central government has offered to connect six important locations with the cable car starting from a road point. So far Sujankota in Munchingput, Lambasingi, Vanjangi waterfalls and Zolaput have been identified,” said ITDA project officer Ronanki Gopalakrishna.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, he said several projects are already in the pipeline with some of them getting administrative sanctions. These projects will include basic infrastructure, roads, view points, cottages, food courts and other basic facilities at important tourist spots that have begun to draw attention of tourists.

Gopalakrishna said ₹ 72 lakh have been sanctioned for a ropeway, cycling track, Burma Bridge and few cottages at Chaparai, which would now be run by the ITDA. Local Adivasis would be given employment in all these projects. Similarly, 12 cottages will be built at Tajangi Reservoir, where eight boats will be provided for water sports. A double zip line will be installed, along with a few more facilities at the ₹ 1.7 crore project.

Similarly, a view point, drinking water facilities and toilets will be developed at Vanjangi waterfalls with a budget of ₹ 42 lakh.

The project officer said a floating restaurant will be built on Sujan Kota brackish water in Munchingput. The location will also have two trekking points. A detailed project report of ₹ 3 crore has been sent to the government in this regard for approval.

As per Gopalakrishna, other proposals include a national flag unfurled atop the temple at Hendrick Hill in Pedabayalu mandal, trekking facilities at Hukumpeta, tree huts at Padmapuram gardens in Araku Valley and several viewpoints at important locations.

“National Highway 516 E between Rajamahendravaram and Vizianagaram runs for a distance of 400 km through these agency tracts. The highway will cover most of these tourist projects in new Paderu district,” the project officer underlined.