Glitches leading to delay in implementation of projects has come to be known as a distinctive feature of AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) in Krishna region.
Almost all of the APTDC projects have taken a painfully long period to take their final shape. While ambitious projects like ropeway (cable car) project envisaging merger of amusement and faith had to be permanently shelved after a prolonged dilly-dallying for want of appropriate land to set up base stations for boarding and alighting, the promised features at the picturesque Bhavani Island in River Krishna have not yet become a reality.
Setting up of an arts and crafts village in the island on the lines of Shilparamam is one of the several plans the Tourism Corporation has been toying with. Following a recent visit to the island by Special Chief Secretary (Tourism), Chandana Khan, the tourism officials said an area of 20 acres had been earmarked for the purpose. Since land availability was the only reason causing the delay, the project should soon become a reality, they had said.
But sources in the Corporation now indicate that the ‘Shilparamam’ may have to wait for some more time. The Centre has released funds to the tune of Rs. 5 crore for the project under the 13 Finance Commission Plan.
Sources in the Tourism Department said a file sent for approval of the Chief Minister came back with a suggestion that Bhavani Island would be developed as a comprehensive package and no such individual features would be entertained.
The file was once again sent to the Chief Minister reminding him of the fact that the Centre had released Rs. 5 crore for the project and the sum must be utilised before March, 2015. But the file, the official said, was reverted yet again without any approval.
The proposed Shilparamam is aimed at popularising arts and crafts by the rural folks of the region. It may not be as big as the one in Hyderabad, but all facilities available there will be replicated here. The new facility will include shops for artisans to sell their products.
