The State government is contemplating developing Buddhist sites in the district as a major tourist destination. The government has chalked out plans to develop a tourist circuit covering all the Buddhist centres/sites, according to District Collector Babu A.
The District Collector inaugurated an exhibition on Buddhist paintings and sculptures at Aakriti Art Gallery of The Culture Centre of Vijayawada here on Monday.
On its sidelines, Mr. Babu said that the government has appointed KPMG as a consultant to prepare a blueprint for developing the tourist circuit. A coffee-table book would also be brought on Buddhist centres in the district, he said.
Social Welfare Joint Director R. Mallikarjuna Rao’ paintings on Buddha were on display. Mr. Rao played a pivotal role in development of Dhyana Buddha project at Amaravathi in Guntur distinct. Centre CEO E. Sivanagi Reddy, Acharya Nagarjuna Unniversity (ANU) Centre for Mahayana Studies Prof. Sitaramamma, Buddhist monk Vepulla and others were present.The CCV is organising the exhibition as part of 2559th Buddha Jayanti celebrations. The exhibition will be on till May 6.