Hyderabad, April 20 (RAHNUMA): Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology Jupally Krishna Rao has directed officials to accelerate the completion of ongoing tourism projects across the state to ensure they are made accessible to the public without further delay.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting at the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) office in Himayat Nagar on Monday, alongside TGTDC Chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy, the Minister scrutinised the progress of projects funded by the State government, Central government, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
During the session, officials presented a detailed power-point presentation outlining the progress of various initiatives, including a district-wise breakdown of works totaling an estimated cost of 274.93 crore.
Emphasising on timelines and modernisation, the Minister issued several key directives, primarily requiring officials to adhere strictly to monthly timelines for all proposed and ongoing projects to ensure time-bound completion.
Regarding the modernisation of infrastructure, the Minister suggested replacing traditional boats with modern vessels and introducing additional boating units at Somasila to enhance the visitor experience.
To create innovative attractions, Jupally Krishna Rao requested the department to explore the feasibility of constructing Cantilever Glass Viewpoints, similar to those found in Russia and China, at high-altitude locations and scenic water bodies.
Furthermore, he called for the immediate preparation of proposals for the construction of additional cottages near the historic Ramappa Temple to accommodate growing tourist footfall.
Global Tourism Vision 2047
Jupally Krishna Rao emphasised that under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the government aims to transform Telangana into a world-class tourism hub by 2047.
He stated that the government’s target is to make Telangana the top destination for tourism in the country by creating an investment-friendly environment and implementing comprehensive master plans for six Special Tourism Areas (STAs). These include Spiritual, Heritage, Eco-Wellness, Crafts, Water, and Buddhist circuits.
To support local talent and culture, the Minister directed the construction of ‘Hampi-style’ theaters at prominent tourist spots to host cultural performances, providing sustainable livelihoods for local artists. He also stressed that the expansion of the tourism sector must be coupled with a high priority on hygiene, maintenance, and tourist safety.
Comprehensive Master Plans for Special Tourism Areas (STAs)
The department is currently developing master plans focusing on six primary circuits. The spiritual circuit includes sites such as Yadagirigutta, Bhadrachalam, Basara, Vemulawada, Alampur-Somasila, Ramappa, Kaleshwaram, and Medak. The Heritage circuit focuses on Warangal, Nalgonda, Palakurthi, Karimnagar, the Charminar Cluster, and the Hyderabad-Rangareddy-Medchal Cluster, he said.
For Eco-Wellness, the plan covers Siddipet, the Nallamala Circuit, Sriram Sagar, Jannaram, the Tribal Circuit, Nagarjuna Sagar, Vikarabad, and Mahabubnagar.
The Crafts sector highlights Pochampally, Narayanpet, and Gadwal-Kothakota, whereas the Water Circuits encompass the Koratikal, Kuntala, Pochera, and Gayatri waterfalls. Finally, the Buddhist Circuits include significant historical sites like Kondapur, Dhulikatta, Karukonda, Nelakondapalli, Buddhavanam, Phanigiri, and Gajulabanda.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary Vani Prasad, TGTDC MD Gauthami, Buddhavanam Special Officer Mallepalli Laxmaiah, Archaeology Director Arjuna Rao, and other senior officials.
