There is a scope for development of tourism in Anakapalli district, says Chairman of Twenty-Point Programme Implementation
Chairman of Twenty-Point Programme Implementation Lanka Dinakar has said there is a scope for development of tourism in Anakapalli district as there are a number of Buddhist houses and stupas in Bojjanna Konda, which are historical monuments that can attract Buddhist monks from all over the world. He said there are famous Hindu temples and beaches that attract international and national tourists, and reservoirs that attract local tourists.
'There is a good chance of attracting tourists, especially by promoting the world famous Etikoppaka toys'. Things like Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioning these toys during his 'Mann ki Baat' address and showcasing of these toys at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi should be well publicised,' Mr. Dinakar said while reviewing the progress of implementation of Centrally sponsored schemes, projects and issues related to infrastructure along with District Collector Vijaya Krishnan.
He said during the year 2023-24, a total of 3.40 lakh tourists visited various famous places in the district, which has the potential to be developed further.
Reviewing the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Mr. Dinakar said the district could not achieve the targets set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between 2019-24 due to non-availability of long-term water resources. The statistics show that the previous government had started 2,282 works between 2019-24 with an estimate of ₹8,93.11 crore, 1,085 works worth ₹690.95 crore have been completed and 784 works are in progress. Officials said that the remaining works have not been started.
In the rural area of the district, water taps have been installed in 2.64 lakh houses out of 4.17 lakh houses, and work on another 1.53 lakh taps is expected to be done, but it is true that water is not coming from the completed taps.
With respect to Gramin Sadak Yojana, Mr. Dinakar said the third phase of the work involves 13 roads worth ₹60.78 crore, 92.28 km in length, and four bridges worth ₹121.8 crore. 'Of the works related to 13 roads worth ₹50.53 crore, one bridge has been completed and the work on the remaining three bridges is under way,' the officials said.
Officials said that 66,265 women in self-help groups in the district have been identified as 'Lakpati Didis' to make them millionaires, of which more than 65% are in agricultural-related work. 'There are 28,791 Didis with an annual income of more than ₹1 lakh.'
One drone has been provided to self-help groups in the district under a pilot project to train them in the use of drones to benefit small and marginal farmers, and two more drones are ready to be provided to the beneficiaries. The Central government provides subsidy on drones.
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