Kurnool: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday announced that Srisailam Temple will be developed on the lines of Tirumala, with plans for seaplane connectivity between the Srisailam Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple and the Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple.
The CM arrived at Srisailam by seaplane from Vijayawada accompanied by the union civil aviation minister K. Rammohan Naidu. He visited the temple and offered prayers.
Speaking to media, he noted that 25,000 visitors come to Srisailam daily, with the number rising to 70,000 on weekends and 1,20,000 during festivals. This emphasised the need for comprehensive development of Srisailam Temple and the surrounding areas, focusing on tourism, he stated.
Chandrababu shared his plans to start the seaplane services by March and underlined that tourism will be granted industry status. He highlighted the potential of developing Araku, Lambasingi, Rishikonda, Kakinada and Tirupati as major tourism destinations, which could bring global recognition.
He proposed the formation of a committee consisting of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Kandula Durgesh, and B.C. Janardhan Reddy to develop the Srisailam area, along with inputs from MPs and MLAs.
On the state’s water resources, the Chief Minister pointed out that the reservoirs are full. He stressed the importance of connecting rivers, such as Godavari, Penna and Vamsadhara. He reiterated his commitment to completing the Polavaram project swiftly, calling it a "game-changer." He revealed plans to bring Godavari water to Rayalaseema, which will significantly improve the region’s prospects.
Chandrababu Naidu underscored his focus on tourism development, which he believes will stimulate the state’s economy by attracting visitors, leading to establishment of five-star hotels and rest houses. He highlighted the biodiversity in the Nallamala forest, including tigers, leopards and rare bird species, and suggested the possibility of a jungle safari in Tummala Bailu.
He disclosed that Gandikota, the 13th-century “Grand Canyon of India,” which is also renowned for its Dravidian, Indo-Islamic and Persian architecture, has been listed among the top 10 global destinations. Seaplane services will also be introduced to enhance access to the place, he stated.
The Chief Minister stressed on law and order, underlining that his government will not tolerate attacks on women. He warned that those who engage in such behaviour will face severe consequences. Referring to the culture of fake social media accounts and inappropriate comments, he vowed that his government would take strict action against those who spread negativity.
Ministers N.M.D. Farooq, B.C. Janardhan Reddy, Kandula Durgesh and Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Nandyal collector G. Raja Kumari, SP A.S. Rana, MP Dr. B Shabari, MLAs and officials were present.
