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Hans India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Durgesh vows to promote tourism in Anakapalli dist
Anakapalli: Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said that every individual should work towards achieving the dream of Alluri Sitarama Raju. A 10-foot bronze statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju, installed by the Kshatriya Seva Samiti in Narsipatnam to commemorate his 128th birth anniversary, was unveiled on Friday. Along with State Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra and Anakapalli MP CM Ramesh paid tributes to the statue of Sitarama Raju. Speaking on the occasion, Kandula Durgesh stressed that youth should take Sitarama Raju's fighting spirit as an inspiration and work for the development of the society. The Minister assured that he would work hard to develop the region as a tourist destination. He informed that temples and tourist places in Anakapalli district will be developed as a circuit. Nearby areas including Alluri Sitarama Raju ghat would also be developed along with Anakapalli, he informed. Further, Durgesh opined that real tributes to Sitarama Raju could become a reality through the development of the region. Speaking on the occasion, Anakapalli district in-charge Minister Kollu Ravindra mentioned that people should come forward for the development of Alluri Park. Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu stated that it was necessary to develop Alluri Park in a way that tourists visit it frequently. He appealed to develop the park with the help of donors. Later, he thanked the public representatives who allocated funds for the development of the park. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced Rs 5 lakh for the development of the park. Anakapalli MP C.M. Ramesh announced that he would allocate Rs 30 lakh from the MPLADS. He assured that he would collect funds with the support of his friends. Vizianagaram Lok Sabha member K Appala Naidu said that he was fortunate to have allocated Rs 10 lakh for the development of Alluri Park. Later, prizes were given to the winners of essay writing and cricket competitions organised for students of various schools. District Collector Vijaya Krishnan, Superintendent of Police Tuhin Sinha, among others, were present.


Hans India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Modernisation of Errakalva on cards
Rajamahendravaram: Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh announced on Monday that ₹5.22 crore in input subsidy has been disbursed to 4,631 farmers in the Nidadavole constituency, whose crops were damaged due to flooding from the Errakalva stream in July 2024. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on behalf of the farmers for responding promptly and supporting those impacted by last year's heavy rains and floods. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Durgesh said that due to heavy rainfall in July 2024, Errakalva overflowed and inundated several villages in Nidadavole, damaging crops in about 3,071.41 hectares. He recalled personally inspecting the flood-hit areas and bringing the matter to the notice of the government. Responding with sincerity, the coalition government sanctioned an input subsidy amounting to ₹5.22 crore, which has now been credited directly to the affected farmers' bank accounts. The minister said this support comes at a crucial time as the farmers are preparing for the Kharif sowing season and will benefit greatly from the aid. He strongly criticised the previous government for failing to implement any permanent flood control measures for Errakalva, resulting in repeated annual crop losses. In contrast, he assured that the current government is committed to providing a lasting solution. 'We will soon begin a complete modernisation of Errakalva. A comprehensive plan is being prepared to permanently resolve the issue,' he stated. Durgesh also mentioned that a coordinated effort is underway with the support of MP Daggubati Purandeswari, Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Ramanaidu, and Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu. He said areas like Gopalapuram, Nidadavole, and Kovvur are especially prone to flooding from Errakalva. Proposals include strengthening canal embankments, constructing new gates, and other essential structures. Immediate repair works worth ₹86 lakh have already begun in damaged areas under the Collector's supervision. The Minister assured that further emergency measures will be taken soon to ensure smooth agricultural operations this season. Once the blueprint for the flood mitigation project is finalised, funds will be sought from the central government to implement it effectively, he added.

The Hindu
13-06-2025
- The Hindu
A.P. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh expresses delight over GSI recognition for Belum Caves
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Friday expressed happiness over the inclusion of Belum Caves in the Geological Heritage list by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, Belum Caves represent ancient culture and heritage, with a history dating back to around 450 BCE and spanning an area of approximately 23 acres. In a statement, the Minister said the GSI's declaration was expected to further enhance the tourism potential of the caves, and that the recognition would pave the way for development of the region. The Belum Caves were known to be the second largest underground cave system in the world and the longest in India, the Minister said, adding that they had gained international acclaim. He highlighted the mesmerising natural underground formations within the caves, which not only captivate visitors but also provide a unique and pleasant experience. He said lakhs of tourists visit the site annually, and added that efforts would be made to promote the site more extensively to attract both domestic and international tourists. Mr. Durgesh said the Rayalaseema region was rich with spiritual destinations such as Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi and Horsley Hills, among many other places, and all these places would be developed further. 'A matter of pride' Meanwhile, addressing the media in Nandyal, Minister for Roads and Buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy hailed the decision of the GSI. 'It is a very proud moment for the people of the Banaganapalle Assembly constituency,' Mr. Reddy said, adding that the rare recognition would place the famous caves on the national tourism map. He reiterated that the government would initiate all measures to develop the caves so that it could transform into a global tourist destination, which in turn would galvanise employment and economic opportunities in the region. 'The Department of Tourism will soon come up with a comprehensive action plan to attract both domestic and international visitors,' Mr. Reddy said.


Hans India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Deputy CM to lay foundation for Akhanda Godavari Project foundation
Rajamahendravaram: The foundation of the prestigious Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project aimed at showcasing the historical and cultural magnificence of Godavari region, will be formally held on June 19, announced by State Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh. The ground-breaking ceremony will be jointly performed by Deputy Chief Minister Konidela Pawan Kalyan and MP Daggubati Purandeswari, with the support of the Central government, he said. The Minister conducted a field visit on Saturday to oversee the arrangements for the upcoming event, inspecting key sites like Pushkar Ghat and theHavelock Bridge alongside district officials. He issued directions to ensure the smooth execution of the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Durgesh said the project is being taken up with a sanction of Rs 97 crore under the SASCI 2024–25 (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme. The works will span across Rajamahendravaram, Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur, and Nidadavolu, aiming for completion before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu. He said that the project will significantly transform several locations in East Godavari district, adding new dimensions of beauty and improved tourist amenities. District Collector P Prasanthi stated that the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, a heritage icon, will undergo beautification and modernisation. Proposed developments include waterfalls, glass bridges, a gaming zone, a space-themed park, an urban hot craft bazaar, hanging gardens, a hologram zoo, time travel experience zones, a rail museum, and an aquarium tunnel. These attractions are expected to position the location as a major tourism hotspot. The Pushkar Ghat will also be further developed, and both the ghat and the Havelock Bridge will be integrated into a single dynamic tourist destination, she added. Joint Collector S Chinna Rammudu, Municipal Commissioner Ketan Garg, RDO R Krishna Naik, Rajamahendravaram City MLA Adireddy Srinivas,and District TourismOfficer P Venkatachalam participated.


Hans India
08-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Yoga must be a part of daily life: Minister
Rajamahendravaram: Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life, noting that it promotes both physical health and mental well-being. He participated as the chief guest at the Yogandhra programme held on Saturday at Sri Satyadeva Nursery in Kadiyapulanka village, Kadiyam mandal, of Rajamahendravaram Rural constituency. The event was organised in Kadiyam Nurseries, a popular tourist destination under the aegis of the Sir Arthur Cotton Nursery Association. Minister Durgesh, along with local MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, District Collector P Prasanthi, and other officials, took part in Surya Namaskar, Pranayama, and various yoga asanas. The Minister called on everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routines for a healthier life. He stated that yoga, along with meditation and physical exercise, plays a key role in managing stress and improving mental resilience. A poster created by EAGLE (Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement) as part of the anti-drug campaign was released by the Minister at this event. District Collector P Prasanthi said that the Yogandhra campaign, designed as a month-long programme was launched by the Chief Minister to spread awareness on the significance of regular yoga practice. MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary said that India introduced yoga to the world and expressed pride that over 170 countries now observe International Yoga Day annually. As part of the programme, a mango plant was ceremonially named 'Yogandhra 11' by Minister Durgesh, while another plant was named 'PSN 5' by Collector Prasanthi. Vriksha Vilapam song, penned by District School Education Officer K Vasudeva Rao, was also performed. District Yogandhra Nodal Officer and Joint Collector S Chinna Rammudu, nursery owners Kuppala Durga Rao, Pulla Peda Satyanarayana, Merla Krishna, Pulla Veera Venkata Rao, Nursery Association President Ratnam Ayyappa, RDO R Krishna Naik, District Tourism Officer P Venkatachalam, AP MIP PD A Durgesh, District Agriculture Officer S Madhava Rao, Information Officer Ch Srinivas, Horticulture Officer B Sujata Kumari and others participated.