Latest news with #PRASAD
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Kanaka Durga Temple to undergo major revamp under vision 2029 initiative
Vijayawada: A major revamp is on the horizon for the iconic Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri Hill, with a comprehensive Rs 100 crore development plan unveiled as part of the state's 'Vision 2029' initiative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The focus of this ambitious project is to significantly enhance facilities for the nearly 1.5 crore devotees who visit the temple annually. The plan was drawn up after extensive studies of the temple's present-day challenges, from traffic congestion and limited access roads to severe shortages of accommodation and sanitation facilities. Crowd management has become a major issue at Kanaka Durga Temple, with an influx of devotees increasing every year. "We have focused on improving infrastructure and amenities for devotees. The master plan is designed by studying the projected estimates of the crowd for the next 50 years," said Y Satyanarayana Chowdary (Sujana Chowdary), Vijayawada West MLA. The proposals, designed as five integrated projects, also include a detailed 3D model covering roads, ghat roads, and the entire temple precinct. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) announced that he is actively lobbying the Union govt to sanction funds under the PRASAD scheme, with several appeals already made to the Union tourism ministry. Among the highlights of the plan is the introduction of multi-level parking at Kanaka Durga Nagar, a six-lane widened approach road to the temple, and a dedicated terminal for buses carrying devotees. A footpath and walking track will be developed to ease pedestrian flow, while a smart traffic management system will be deployed to tackle vehicular congestion. Additionally, the Indrakeeladri surroundings will be beautified with lush greenery, parks, and water fountains to create a serene atmosphere. The goal is to complete the transformation by 2029, making the temple a model spiritual destination in India.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Durgesh outlines vision for AP tourism, calls for more support from investors
Vijayawada: Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh on Friday emphasised the critical need for investor cooperation to accelerate tourism projects, develop robust infrastructure, provide world-class experiences for tourists, and ensure benefits for local communities. He participated on the second day of the AP Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 jointly organised by the Global Forum for Sustainable Tourism and APTDC. Durgesh said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's decision to grant industrial status to the tourism sector has significantly boosted its development. 'This is the opportune moment for investors to invest,' Durgesh declared, contrasting the current government's proactive approach with the 'lack of tourism development' in the state over the past five years. Durgesh stressed that the government's primary objectives are economic development and job creation for youth in Andhra Pradesh, with tourism playing a pivotal role in the development of all regions. He noted that the Centre has already sanctioned hundreds of crores of rupees through schemes like Swadeshi Darshan 2.0, PRASAD, SAASKI, and CBDD. The minister confirmed that tourism development would be pursued through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He outlined the state's goal to showcase its 974 km long coastline, natural beauty, and historical monuments to the world. He also revealed that Europeans have expressed interest in investing in wellness centers in AP. He gave details of six key areas guiding AP's tourism sector: Branding, marketing, product development, projects, investments, partnerships, tech enablement, creative economy and capacity building. The minister invited investors to put their money into AP, promising a free and conducive environment. He urged them to forget the 'shadows of sorrow' from the previous government, emphasising the long-term tourism pathways being laid and the commitment to improving employment opportunities in the sector. 'Andhra Pradesh tourism is conducive to investments. Share your ideas with the government, and it's our responsibility to provide assurance when you come with investments,' he added.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Minister Durgesh asks investors to back Andhra Pradesh's tourism vision
VIJAYAWADA: Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh called on investors to partner with the Andhra Pradesh government in transforming the State into a world-class tourism hub by 2047. Speaking on the second day of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 in Vijayawada on Friday, Durgesh said tourism development is a top priority for the coalition government led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. He highlighted that Andhra Pradesh offers an investment-friendly ecosystem and the government is open to ideas and committed to providing support. 'We have granted industrial status to tourism, introduced a new tourism policy for 2024–29, and are paving the way for sustainable, responsible, and tech-enabled tourism,' he said. The minister highlighted the State's 974-km coastline, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage, saying these assets will be showcased globally. He said hundreds of crores have been sanctioned under central schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASAD, and CBDD. Key initiatives include the `94.44 crore Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project and upcoming policies in eco and adventure tourism. He also emphasised branding, marketing, tech enablement, and the creative economy. Calling on investors to 'forget the shadows of the past', Durgesh described tourism as a powerful tool for economic growth, cultural promotion, and employment.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Akhanda Godavari tourism project launched in Rajahmundry
Rajahmundry: The Akhanda Godavari project aims to transform Rajahmundry into a vibrant cultural and spiritual tourism hub. The foundation stone laying ceremony of the Akhanda Godavari tourism project, to be taken up with a cost of Rs 94.44 crore, was held at Pushkar Ghat in Rajahmundry on Thursday, in the presence of Union minister for tourism and culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, MP Purandeshwari and minister Kandula Durgesh. The project is expected to be completed by 2027, providing direct and indirect employment opportunities to around 8,000 people. Minister for culture Kandula Durgesh requested the Union minister to set up national school of drama in Andhra Pradesh. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised the efforts of chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and his deputy Pawan Kalyan in conceptualising projects for Andhra Pradesh's tourism development. He highlighted plans to develop Pushkar Ghat as a spiritual center and mentioned that nearly Rs 450 crore has been sanctioned for tourism development in AP under various schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, SASCI, and CBDD. He detailed the initiatives taken under Swadesh Darshan 1.0 and 2.0, including the development of Kakinada Hope Island, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat lake, Myadu beach, Araku, Lambasingi, Suryalanka beach and Buddhist Circuit. The minister emphasised the govt's commitment to sustainable tourism development, providing adventure tourism experience, and enhancing spiritual tourism through the PRASAD scheme. The minister also mentioned specific projects, such as the development of Amaravati, Srisailam temple, Simhachalam temple, and Annvaram temple. Under the SASCI scheme, Rs 95 crore has been allocated for the Akhanda Godavari project, which includes transforming Havelock Bridge into a multifunctional tourist hub and developing Bridge Lanka. The project aims to attract 10 to 15 lakh tourists annually in the initial stage, with a long-term goal of reaching 35 lakh tourists by 2035. The minister expressed confidence in completing the Akhanda Godavari project swiftly. Additionally, the minister announced plans for a lights and sound show in Puttaparthi and Araku, development of cruise and cargo terminals at Visakhapatnam port, and modernization of Tirupati railway station. The Union minister assured that the govt would provide world-class infrastructure facilities under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The tourism sector contributed 10 per cent to the country's economy in 2023, and the aim is to increase the footfall of international tourists in India. The Akhanda Godavari project aims to transform Rajahmundry into a vibrant cultural and spiritual tourism hub. The project includes developing Pushkar Ghat into a spiritual destination, modernising the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge and restoring historical and cultural sites along the river. -
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Indrakeeladri temple development gains momentum; master plan, land protection in focus
The Andhra Pradesh government is moving swiftly on the comprehensive development and protection of the historic Sri Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri, with two high-level review meetings held on Monday focusing on infrastructure upgrades and safeguarding temple lands from encroachment. Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy chaired a review meeting on the ongoing temple development works and the implementation of the master plan, on Monday. The Minister emphasised that the government is prioritising the enhancement of basic infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of devotees from across India. 'The temple will be part of the national Vision Document 2047. We are implementing a master plan to address issues systematically,' he stated. Highlighting the cooperation of local representatives, the Minister acknowledged the proactive roles played by both Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivnath and MLA Sujana Chowdary. He added that efforts are under way to secure Central support under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme to boost temple tourism infrastructure. praised the government's initiatives, calling them 'historic steps' that will leave a lasting legacy. 'We are working on long-term solutions that will stand for the next 50 years. Our DPRs have been reviewed, and we will proceed comprehensively with the master plan. The comfort of devotees remains our highest priority,' he said, hinting at positive developments from his consultations at the Central level. Endowments Department Secretary V. Vinay Chand and Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan, along with MLA Sujana Chowdary, joined virtually. Temple lands In a separate review later in the evening, the Kanaka Durga Temple EO V. K. Seena Naik convened a meeting with the temple's Leases and Land Department staff to address the encroachment of 11.54 acres of temple land located in Vijayawada's Kedareswarapeta – Lotus area. The land, valued at approximately ₹200 crore, was found to be illegally occupied. To prevent unauthorised transactions, the lands have now been officially listed under Section 22A 1C (Prohibited Properties). EO Seena Naik stressed that the temple administration, in coordination with the Revenue, Stamps & Registration, and Municipal Administration Departments, is taking immediate and uncompromising action. To address space constraints in the lower Mahāmaṇḍapam zone, the EO held another meeting with temple engineers to evaluate land acquisition for future infrastructure, including a new Anna Prasadam hall and Laddu Potu (kitchen). Executive Engineers Koteshwara Rao and Rambabu were among those present, and discussions centered on maximising available space for upcoming facilities, keeping in view the rising footfall of pilgrims.
