Latest news with #AkhandaGodavariProject

The Hindu
21 hours ago
- The Hindu
Stone will be laid for Akhanda Godavari project on June 19, says Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Friday said the Central government-sponsored Akhanda Godavari Project would usher in fresh charm in the areas surrounding the Godavari. In a statement, Mr. Durgesh said that Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari would lay the foundation stone for the project on June 19. He said the ₹97 crore sanctioned for the project under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)-2024-25 scheme would be utilised to develop tourism infrastructure in Rajamahendravaram, Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur, Nidadavolu, and surrounding areas. The works were expected to be completed before the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams, he said. Modernisation of Havelock Bridge The 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, a symbol of historical and cultural heritage, would be modernised by adding new features such as waterfalls, glass bridges, gaming zone, space-themed experiences, Urban Haat craft bazar, hanging gardens, hologram zoo, time travel exhibits, rail museum and aquarium tunnels. The Minister said the nearby Pushkar Ghat would be upgraded to make it a significant spiritual destination, enhancing connectivity between the bridge and the ghat to form a dynamic tourist destination. The surrounding temples would also be developed with aesthetic architectural design to usher in spiritual ambience for year-round pilgrimage, he said. The famous Kadiyam nurseries, one of the largest in the country, would also be developed into a tourist attraction. The Godavari canals and the culturally significant locations in the vicinity would be restored and beautified, Mr. Durgesh said, adding that tourists would have boating and leisure rides to spend fun moments. He said the Sri Kota Sattemma temple at Timmarajupalem in Nidadavolu mandal, a prominent ancient spiritual centre known for its grand entrance and towering 'rajagopuram', would be given a facelift by construction of additional pilgrim accommodation facilities and by modernising the 'rajagopuram'.


Hans India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Minister alleges bid to create unrest ahead of PK film release
Rajamahendravaram: Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh has strongly condemned efforts to stir controversy ahead of the release of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's film 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu'. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he alleged that certain individuals within the film industry were deliberately trying to create unrest dur-ing the film's release period. He questioned why stakeholders from the film industry didn't responded promptly to clarify the situation. The Minister claimed that the government has been consistently sup-portive of the industry, allowing ticket price revisions for new movie releases and taking proactive measures to address industry concerns. He criticised those, who claimed that the industry could resolve its is-sues without the government's intervention, calling such remarks as expression of arrogance. Minister Durgesh clarified that there will be no shutdown of theatres and assured that the State government is actively working to address the concerns of the industry. The Minister also lashed out at YSRCP leader and former minister Per-ni Nani for his comments regarding the ongoing film industry dispute, accusing him of speaking in an inhumane manner. He also accused YSRCP of exploiting individual deaths for political gain and described such behaviour as unethical and unacceptable. He clarified that the coalition government is ready to take legal action against any wrongdoing, but does not wish harm for anyone. Durgesh also announced that the Central government has approved the Detailed Project Report for the Akhanda Godavari Project. He said the project will be launched in the first week of June with the partici-pation of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and MP Daggubati Pu-randeswari. The project, valued at Rs 97 crore, has seen some tenders already finalised, and the government aims to complete it before the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu. The Minister outlined that the government is working on a Public-Private Partnership model to enhance tourism infrastructure across the State. The Centre is supporting modernisation efforts at Surya-lanka Beach and the development of Gandikota Project. Plans are in place to set up tent accommodations at 21 prominent pilgrimage sites and introduce homestays in rural areas to promote local tourism. The government is also facilitating the construction of star hotels in Tirupati and Visakhapatnam, aiming to bring 50,000 tourist rooms in-to operation across the State. In addition, a private company Mega, has come forward to build two hotels near the Polavaram Project, the Minister explained.


Hans India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Nidadavolu witnesses development worth Rs 105 Cr: Tourism minister
Rajamahendravaram: Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh, announced that development works worth Rs 105.80 crore have been undertaken in Nidadavolu within just 11 months. Speaking at a meeting with municipal officials on Saturday, the minister expressed his commitment to transform Nidadavolu into one of the most developed towns in the state. He said that they are working towards making Nidadavolu a model town in all sectors. The goal is to ensure equal development for both urban and rural areas, Durgesh added. Of the Rs 105.80 crore, Rs 15.75 crore has been allocated from general municipal funds for 240 development projects. So far, 187 of these projects, costing Rs 8.12 crore, have been completed. Major initiatives include beautification, road construction, water supply enhancements, and waste management improvements. Durgesh noted the launch of the 'Good Morning Nidadavolu' programme starting June 1, where officials will address unresolved local issues through direct interaction with residents once a week. He also said that Rs 4.50 crore from the 15th Finance Commission has been secured to fund waste management, drinking water supply, and drain maintenance. Furthermore, Rs 83.82 crore has been secured for the town's water grid project under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, ensuring a steady supply of Godavari waters to Nidadavolu. An additional Rs 1 crore from Rajamahendravaram Urban Development Authority (RUDA) is being utilised for the construction of a road connecting Ramadasu Street and U Shopping Complex. To enhance public safety, approximately 250 CCTV cameras will be installed across Nidadavolu. Durgesh mentioned that while CSR funds from ONGC and GAIL will be sought for this purpose, these organisations have already expressed their willingness to support the initiative. The minister also outlined plans to modernise the local hospital, upgrading it from a 30-bed to a 100-bed facility. A sports stadium will be established following Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's approval. Durgesh criticised the previous YSRCP government, accusing it of delaying the distribution of TIDCO houses to beneficiaries. 'We have brought this issue to the attention of the Chief Minister, and the second phase of TIDCO houses will soon be handed over to beneficiaries,' he assured. In a significant boost to local tourism, Rs 3 crore will be invested to develop Nidadavolu as a tourist destination under the Akhanda Godavari Project. Plans include the introduction of boating facilities in the canal and the development of a cafeteria for tourists. Municipal Chairman Bhupati Adinarayana, Commissioner T Krishnaveni, and other municipal officials were present at the meeting.