Rs. 25.04 Cr For Mega Circuits In AP

Union Minister for Tourism (I/C) Dr. K Chiranjeevi has approved a Central Finance Assistance (CFA) of Rs. 25.04 crore for the ongoing tourism mega circuit projects at Chittoor and Kadapa districts in Andhra Pradesh.

The mega circuit project at Tirupati has been sanctioned an amount of Rs. 1,395.75 lakh under the 2nd instalment. This project involves the development of tourism facilities at various temples in Chittoor district - Sri Kalyana Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, Sri Vedanaryana Swamy Temple, Srivari Mettu, Chandragiri fort, Sri Kalahasteeshwara Temple and Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple.

These funds have been sanctioned for the construction of tourist arrival centres, tourist information centres, mini cultural auditoriums, children's parks and renovation of the Dhwaja Stambham at various temples.

An amount of Rs. 1,107.87 lakh has been sanctioned for the mega circuit project in Kadapa under the 2nd instalment. Kadapa was selected as a mega circuit destination because of the presence of a chain of temples and forts that exist since the time of the Vijayanagara Empire.

There are a total of 21 temples and related forts covered under this project in Kadapa district. These include the Gandikota fort, the Vaidhyanatha Swami Temple, the Saumya Natha Temple, the Kodandarama Temple, and the Athirala Parasurma Temple. All these temples are historically significant.

Development of tourism facilities like the construction of public toilets, providing drinking water facilities, landscaping & park development, and setting up of tourist information centres at various locations will be undertaken as part of the project.

Development and promotion of various tourism destinations & products is the responsibility of the respective state government / union territory (UT) administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for tourism projects identified in consultation with them, subject to availability of funds, inter-se-priority and adherence to scheme guidelines. (INN)