The State government is thinking about setting up a ‘Monastery Boulevard’ in Amaravati, the capital region, where Buddhists from countries across the world can build their monasteries like at Bodhgaya in Bihar.
The subject of setting aside a sector for the establishment of monasteries came up for discussion at a meeting held to discuss the development of tourism in the new State. Beside Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, senior bureaucrats like State Planning Board Vice-Chairman Ch. Kutumba Rao, Special Chief Secretary (Forests) A.K. Parida, Prinicpal Secretary to CM Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Neerabh Kumar Prasad, secretary to CM Sai Prasad and Commissioner Endowments Anuradha participated in the discussions.
Monasteries that belong to different Buddhist orders can also been seen in Dharmasala and Kathmandu both of which have become international tourist attractions.
The officials told the Chief Minister that 13 spots in the State had been identified for promotion as tourist spots.
Kakinanda Hope Island and Coringa Sanctuary will be developed as the Konaseema circuit. The focus of this circuit would be Godavari backwaters, mangrove forests, beaches and local cuisine, arts and culture. Two thousand hectares of mangrove forest in Coringa would be developed as an eco-sanctuary zone. This mangrove forest was the second largest next only to the one at the Sunderbans. It was the only mangrove forest in the East Coast.
This circuit will be developed with a passenger terminal with a boat jetty, water sports, marine/water park, maritime museum, sea plane rides, home stay facilities and convention centre.
The Chief Minister said “We can have 5 to 6 passenger terminals with jetties at different points in the State. And Sea-Rickshaws could be introduced to ferry passengers around the tourism sports. These projects could be given on a PPP basis.”
A major boost to tourism in the Godavari districts was being given under the Akhanda Godvari Project, he said. “The scenic beauty, local food and other products of Godavari districts should be branded and promoted,” he said.
The Chief Minister spoke about safety and involving educational institutions like Home Science Colleges in the development of tourism.
Officials say 13 spots have been identified for promotion as tourist spots
