Latest news with #SASCI
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Salem Corporation to plant 55,000 saplings on 55 acres in Panamarathupatti Lake
The Salem Corporation is clearing bushes on 55 acres in Panamarathupatti Lake and will plant 55,000 saplings and seek ₹25 crore as special assistance from the Union government under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investments (SASCI) scheme to redevelop the lake into a tourist spot. Built by the British in 1911 at ₹9.68 lakh, the 2,137 acre-Panamarathupatti Lake was once the main source of drinking water for Salem Corporation. When there was heavy rain in Jarugumalai, the rainwater passed through Varattaru and Kottaru to reach Panamarathupatti Lake. However, the water body stopped receiving water 25 years ago due to encroachments on the path and due to several other reasons. Salem Corporation tried to rejuvenate the lake and make it a major tourist destination, but could not do so due to fund issues. The civic body sent a proposal to the State government last year to develop the lake as a tourist spot at ₹230 crore, which is still pending. Meanwhile, the Corporation decided to plant saplings at ₹10 lakh on 55 acres to convert the lake into a tourist spot. Salem Corporation officials said the clearing work and planting of saplings would be completed in a month and a project proposal would be sent to the Union government. If the government accepted the plan of creating greenery on the 55 acres, Salem Corporation would get ₹25 crore in assistance, and using those funds, it would redevelop the lake into a tourist spot, the officials added.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Akhanda Godavari will give a boost to tourism: Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM : Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said the Akhanda Godavari Pushkara Project will boost tourism in the Godavari Region, besides providing direct and indirect employment to 8,000 people. Shekhawat, along with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, laid the foundation stone for the `97 crore Akhanda Godavari Project at Pushkara Ghat in the city on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, he said the allocation of funds for the project under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme will be utilised for the development of the Havelock Bridge, Pushkara Ghat and other important places. 'Pushakara Ghat will become a major spiritual place in the country. Tent city will be set up in 120 acres of Bridge Lanka in the Godavari river, which is connected with the old rail bridge. Theme parks will be developed on the Havelock Bridge, showcasing the rich history of Rajamahendravaram,' he said. The Union Minister assured that Rajamahendravaram will get heritage tag soon. Shekhawat emphasised the potential of the tourism sector to generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the State's economy. Double engine govt is driving AP's growth: PK The Akhanda Godavari project will be completed swiftly, making it a renowned tourist destination in the country. A Buddhist circuit, eco tourism and infrastructure development also will be taken up. Andhra Pradesh will become a major tourist destination with the potential to attract 35 lakh tourists per annum by 2035. 'Plans are also afoot to develop Puttaparthi, Araku and other places in AP as major tourist destinations. We are setting up lights and sound show in Puttaparthi and Araku,' he revealed. He said, 'India is projected to get 3 billion domestic tourist visits, and 20 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025. India has made significant progress in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, moving from 54th to 39th place.' Pawan Kalyan said, 'Our State is achieving rapid economic development as there is a double engine government.' Ministers Kandula Durgesh and N Ramanaidu, MP Daggubati Purandeswari, MLAs Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary and Adireddy Srinivas, Special CS Ajay Jain, East Godavari Collector P Prasanthi and others were present.
Time of India
4 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. -
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Akhanda Godavari Project marks a significant milestone: Pawan Kalyan
East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 26 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan on Thursday said that the Akhanda Godavari Project marks a significant milestone in the cultural, spiritual, and economic potential of the Godavari region. Earlier in the day, he and Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat performed bhumi puja for the 94 crore project on the banks of the river Godavari in Rajamahendravaram City here. 'Respected Hon'ble Union Minister Sri @gssjodhpurJi (Gajendra Singh Shekhawat), It was an honour to have you in Rajamahendravaram for the foundation stone ceremony of the Akhanda Godavari Project. This project marks a significant milestone in the cultural, spiritual, and economic potential of the Godavari region,' Kalyan said in a post on X. Kalyan also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'From rejuvenating the historic Havelock Bridge to transforming Pushkar Ghat, and creating enriching experiences like the Kadiyam Nursery Centre, the Nidadavole Temple development shows a deep commitment to development and preserving our heritage. With the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams in sight, this effort will truly redefine cultural heritage tourism in Andhra Pradesh's progress. My heartfelt thanks to Hon'ble Prime Minister Sri @narendramodi Ji and the @MinOfCultureGoI @tourismgoi for the constant support from the Union Government in realising this dream project,' Kalyan said. Meanwhile, Union Minister Shekhawat said that the project will boost heritage tourism, ushering in a new era for Godavari's spiritual and economic landscape. He added that the project will revitalise the iconic Havelock Bridge, redevelop Pushkar Ghat, create a Kadiyam Nursery Experience Centre, and enhance pilgrim infrastructure at Nidadavol. 'Wonderful to be in Rajamahendravaram along with Andhra Pradesh Dy CM Shri @PawanKalyan garu to participate in laying the foundation stone of the 'Akhanda Godavari' project,' Shekhawat said in a post on X. 'At a cost of 94.44 crore, this transformative cultural-tourism project under the SASCI scheme will revitalise the iconic Havelock Bridge, redevelop Pushkar Ghat, create a Kadiyam Nursery Experience Centre, and enhance pilgrim infrastructure at Nidadavolu. It will boost heritage tourism, ushering in a new era for Godavari's spiritual and economic landscape,' he added. (ANI)
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Akhanda Godavari' will become an iconic tourist destination, says Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Thursday performed bhumi puja for the ₹94-crore Akhanda Godavari project on the banks of the Godavari in Rajamahendravaram. Under the Union Government-funded Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the State government would renovate the 125-year-old Havelock Bridge with more tourist attractions, apart from developing Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur, Nidadavolu, and surrounding areas as prime tourist destinations. Mr. Shekhawat and Mr. Pawan Kalyan went round the photo exhibition on the projects proposed under Akhanda Godavari initiative. Addressing the gathering at the Havelock Bridge, Mr. Shekhawat said, 'The Godavari riverfront development project, titled Akhanda Godavari, will become an iconic tourist destination in India. The project aims at creating a comprehensive riverfront experience anchored along the 125-year-old Havelock Bridge and Pushkar Ghat.' 'The Akhanda Godavari project is the most ambitious among the ₹450-crore worth of seven projects that have been sanctioned to Andhra Pradesh over the past one year,' said Mr. Shekhawat. He further said that walkers would be allowed to walk for 1.2 km on the bridge, on which an interpretation centre would come up to showcase Godavari regional culture and heritage. He observed that at least 20 lakh annual footfalls of tourists could be expected at the Havelock Bridge and the Tent City on its island. Mr. Shekhawat said the three-acre Kadiyam flower nurseries' experience centre would feature flower exhibitions, live demonstrations and offer Godavari regional cuisines. Wish fulfilled: Pawan In his address, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said the decades'-long wish to renovate the abandoned Havelock Bridge was being fulfilled with the Akhanda Godavari project. He reminded that Rajamahendravaram was the land where Adikavi Nannaya was born, and civilisation thrived by the river. State Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh and MP D. Purandeswari appealed to Mr. Shekhawat to sanction a branch of the National School of Drama.
