The majestic 14th century Kondaveedu fort would be developed as a major tourist destination, said Minister for Civil Supplies Prathipati Pulla Rao on Tuesday. Among the amenities that would give fillip to tourism were national zoo parks, an eco park and guest house complex.
The Minister along with Minister for Social Welfare Nakka Ananda Babu, Minister for Forest Sidda Raghava Rao and Collector Kona Sasidhar visited the fort area and went through the woods along the rugged terrain. The district administration is gearing up to conduct a tourism festival during February 2-3, 2019.
Mr. Pulla Rao said the fort was located 1,400 miles above sea level and has about 200 km of plain land which could be developed as a tourist centre. The ghat road up the hill would be connected to internal roads leading to various temples on the hill. Later, the Minister laid the foundation stone for laying internal roads at a cost of ₹12 crore.
Mr. Raghava Rao recalled that he had allotted ₹42 crore for laying the ghat road during his tenure as Minister for Roads and Buildings and now ₹6.80 crore for the internal roads.
Mr. Ananda Babu said the fort would emerge as a major tourist destination in the Capital region. A survey was being done followed by preparation of a master plan for the comprehensive development, he said.
Kondavedu Fort Development Committee chairman K. Siva Reddy explained the efforts made for the development of the fort beginning with the laying of the ghat road extending to 4.1 km. He urged the Ministers to expedite the work relating to jungle clearance.
