The State government would take necessary steps to develop historic Kondapalli Fort into a tourist spot in Vijayawada, Major Irrigation Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao said here on Monday.
“We will shortly conduct a review meeting with officials concerned at the fort and chalk out an action plan for developing it on all fronts. We will request Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to visit the place to know its historic importance and the need to develop it on par with Golconda Fort in Hyderabad,” he said.
The Minister was speaking to media persons after planting saplings on the fort premises in connection with ‘Vanamahotsavam’ celebrations organised by the Forest Department.
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“We will also seek technical help on providing basic amenities for the visitors.” Recalling how he used to visit the fort during his childhood days, he said the pending works at the fort would be completed through funds sanctioned under Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas.
The government would organise month-long events during Kartika Masam ‘Vanamahotsavam’ celebrations from next year onwards, he said. Underscoring the need for planting more saplings, Mr. Rao said people would get respite from scorching heat if everyone lays importance on improving greenery.
District Forest Officer K. Ashok Kumar said as many as 5,000 saplings were planted at Nandigama, Paritala, Puligadda, Manginapudi, Vissannapeta and Nuzvid, among others places in Krishna district. “In coordination with other organisations, we are planning to put up fencing to protect the saplings from animals. Water will also be provided on daily basis,” he said.
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Meanwhile, the district administration had created problems to participants, especially students, by failing to provide lunch on time. Lunch was served after 2.30 p.m. and the participants had to jostle with one another for getting food even as the dignitaries continued their speeches.