The Kondaveedu fort, a bastion and capital for Reddy dynasty up to 15th century A.D., is all set to become a tourist spot for visitors.
Decks have been cleared for laying a ghat road to the fort at an estimated cost of Rs.35 crore after the Central Government diverted 9.980 hectares of reserve forest. “The first stage of ghat road works have been sanctioned in December 2012 and the sanction for final stage of the works has been granted recently,’’ Kondaveedu Fort Development Committee convener K. Siva Reddy told The Hindu on Saturday.
The Roads and Buildings department would lay approach road and construct steps from foot hill to the top of the fort.
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The State government had paid Rs.1.27 crore to the Forest authorities including compensation of Rs.80 lakh compensation and Rs.47 lakh for vegetation under Indian Forest Act 1927.
Situated about 26 km away from Guntur in Edlapadu mandal, the fort, as per history, was ruled by six Reddy rulers including Prolaya Vema Reddy, Anavota Reddy, Anavema Reddy, Kumaragiri Reddy, Pedakomati Vema Reddy and Raacha Vema Reddy for more than 100 years.
Kondaveedu fort which was an abode for ancient temples is close to Phirangipuram area.
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The fortified area was constructed with 54 bastions, water tanks, reservoirs, shrines and garrisons with green vegetation.
Movement to restore the glory of the fort and make it a tourist destination got a fillip after Mr. Siva Reddy with the support of elected representatives secured the assistance of the State Government.
“We will take steps for beautification of temples, ‘dwarams’, statues and other historic constructions on the hill. The fort would be soon developed into a complete tourist spot for the visitors,’’ Mr. Reddy added.