To tap the tourism potential of Nagarjunasagar, Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) has decided to operate boats from the left bank side within two months from now by constructing jettis to station boats and purchasing new boats.
The existing launch station, which was having 5 launches, had gone to Andhra Pradesh during the division of the State. Since major tourist spots like Ethipotala, Anupu, boating point and others are located on the right side of the largest masonry dam, the tourists coming from Hyderabad side are straightaway proceeding towards the right bank while the hotels and other business establishments located on the left bank have been receiving less number of tourists post division.
Since the boating point used to generate about Rs. 2 crore revenue annually, the loss to AP has affected the TSTDC’s revenue in Sagar considerably. Following this, the tourism officials at Nagarjunasagar had sent proposals to the State government requesting it to construct a new boating point to operate boats to Nandikonda.
Subsequently, Executive Chairman of TSTDC, G. Kishan Rao visited Nagarjunasagar a fortnight ago to finalise the project after discussing with irrigation and tourism officials. Tenders for the Rs 1.18 crore project were issued which were bagged by Parvathi Constructions a few days ago. The contractor has to construct three jettis to station the boats. The width of each jetti would be 7 metres and length 20 metres.
Speaking to The Hindu, Divisional Tourism Officer K. Venkateshwarlu said most probably the jettis will be constructed at the crocodile zone. Since the location falls under Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), he said the State government has sent a letter to the concerned officials seeking permission. Earlier officials had operated boats from earth dam on left bank canal, the location also in discussion for construction of jetties. Currently, the AP launch station was having five boats which was bought at Rs. 1 crore each.
Mr. Venakteshwarlu said the Telangana government is preparing to purchase three such boats which were not yet finalised. Since a majority of tourists to Nagarjunasagar were coming from Hyderabad, the tourism officials said that the Telangana side launch station will tap a majority of the revenue.
Government planning to construct jetties at left bank side and purchase three boats
