Union Minister of State for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Sound and Light show at the ancient and historic Elgandal fort located on the picturesque shores of Lower Maniar Dam reservoir on the outskirts of Karimnagr.
The Ministry of Tourism sanctioned Rs. 4.61 crore during 2013-14 for the project. Landscaping, seating arrangements for 400 persons and other basic amenities would be provided under the project. The basic script work was awarded to a local historian to highlight the history of the fort and the district in a song form.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that he has accorded top priority to Andhra Pradesh in general and Telangana region in particular in the allocation of funds for the development of tourism and boost economic activity in the region.
During 2013-14, the Ministry allocated Rs. 150 crore to Andhra Pradesh State, including Rs. 70 crore to the Telangana region. Proposals for sanction of another Rs. 73 crore for projects in Telangana for 2014-15 have been readied, he said. The proposals include; Karimnagar mega tourism circuit at a cost of Rs. 50 crore, development of Alisagar, Dindi, Konaseema-Badrachalam, Ramagiri hillocks and other tourist spots.
He also promised to develop the tank bunds of Manakondur, Nirmal project, Shanigaram and Kothakonda Veerabadra Swamy devasthanam in Karimnagar district.
Minister for Endowments C. Ramachandraiah, Minister for Civil Supplies D. Sridhar Babu, Government Whip Arepalli Mohan, Karimnagar MP Ponnam Prabhakar, local legislator Gangula Kamalakar and others were also present.
Mr. Chiranjeevi along with his wife offered special prayers at Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy devasthanam in Vemulawada.
The temple authorities accorded a traditional welcome to the Union Minister and performed special pujas. Minister for Endowments C Ramachandraiah also accompanied the Minister. At the temple, devotees competed to shake hands with the Union Minister. The temple authorities presented him with the portrait of the devasthanam and prasadams.
Later, the Union Minister laid foundation for the construction of 100 room cottages called Bheemeshwara sadanam at the temple
