Yet another inter-State dispute between Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh has deprived tourists and pilgrims visiting famous Akka Mahadevi caves and Kadali Vanam by boat on River Krishna from Pathalaganga in Srisailam.
The boats operated by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department travels 18 k.m. in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana from Srisailam in Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Dispute arose over sharing of revenue collected from the pilgrims travelling to the caves. For the past one month, boats operated by the AP Tourism and private operators are not plying after Telangana Forest Department objected. Discussions held between Telangana forest officials and AP tourism authorities several times, yielded no fruitful results.
The AP Tourism collects Rs. 230 from each tourist for the river cruise to Akka Mahadevi caves. Telangana forest officials want Rs. 50 from each ticket as its share. Since the boats, staff, operation expenses and other infrastructure belongs to AP Tourism, the Telangana forest authorities had asked 21.7 per cent of total revenue which the AP Tourism reportedly denied.
ADVERTISEMENT
TS forest officials contend that since the tourist places were very much in their jurisdiction, they should get the revenue too. Sources said river cruise to the caves evoked good response as at least 200 tourists visited the place during weekends and on special days from Srisailam since the pilgrimage spot witnesses huge influx of devotees.
On working days, at least 60 people would be taken to Akka Mahadevi caves. That means, the AP Tourism has been suffering about Rs. 2 lakh loss due to stopping of the river cruise every week.
Apart from the Akka Mahadevi caves, there was another tourist place called Kadali Vanam. The tourists have to trek 11 km from Akka Mahadevi caves through deep Nallamalla to reach this picturesque spot which is located 681 meter height from sea level.
ADVERTISEMENT
Apart from AP Tourist boats, some private boat travellers also used to operate from Srisailam to Akka Mahadevi caves which also came to halt leaving boat operates jobless. The pilgrims urged both the governments to resolve the issue amicably and allow resumption of the services.
River cruise from Srisailam to scenic spots in Mahabubnagar stopped following revenue sharing dispute