Government To Get All Tourist Spots in State on World Tourism Map: Dy CM Bhatti
Khammam: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Monday said that the state government would take steps to develop tourism spots to ensure that the state gets a place in the World Tourism map.
Bhatti was speaking after visiting the Buddha stupa at Nelakondapally and the Khammam fort in the Khammam district along with his Cabinet colleagues Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Jupalli Krishna Rao, and Khammam MP Ramashayam Raghuram Reddy,
Bhatti said that there was a shortage of funds for the development of the tourism sector, which would create employment to local youth as well as revenue to the state exchequer. The state government would come up with a plan to develop all tourist places in the state.
Reminding that there were several Buddhist sites in the state, the minister informed that Buddhist monks from different countries would be invited to visit them, which would help in bringing the recognition to them at international level.
He reminded that Rs 10 crore have been sanctioned for the protection of Buddha stupa at Nelakondapally. He also underlined the need to take up measures for the development of tourist spots near pilgrimage places.
Srinivas Reddy suggested that the tourism minister examine the possibility of setting up a Buddhist museum at Nelakondapally. The ministers also visited the house in which Bhakta Ramadasu resided about four centuries back, at Nelakondapally.
Krishna Rao said that the tourism sector would be accorded priority by the state government. Special programmes and events would be conducted to attract international and domestic tourists to the tourism places in the state.
He reminded that small countries and states, which don’t have resources, were also excelling in the tourism sector. There was no dearth for ancient and historical structures, waterfalls, beautiful forests, animal sanctuary and adventure tourism spots in the state. We should utilise these resources for the development of the tourism sector by attracting international tourists.
Krishna Rao said that a one-kilometre long rope way would be set up at Khammam fort at a cost of `30 crore. Laknavaram lake and Palair reservoir would be developed as tourist places with more facilities. Cultural programmes should be conducted at tourist places for the entertainment of the tourists, he added.
Tourism Development Corporation chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy, district collector Muzammil Khan and Khammam police commissioner Sunil Dutt were present.
