In order to promote tourism and protect ancient and historic structures, the government has proposed to develop the century-old Elgandal Fort on the outskirts of Karimnagar and introduce a ‘light and sound show’ for the entertainment of the tourists. Incidentally, the foundation stone for the ‘light and sound show’ was laid by then Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi with much pomp and gaiety in February 2014. During the period, the Union government had released Rs. 4.61 crore for the project.
It was decided to develop the ancient fort by developing landscaping, pathways, seating arrangements for 400 people, restaurant and other basic amenities such as toilets and drinking water arrangements. The script work was allotted to local historian to highlight the history of the fort and the district in the song form. It is over one-and-a-half year, the authorities have not taken up any work in the fort. Neither the consultants could develop the landscape nor lay pathways. Leave alone making seating arrangements, the agency could not even the level the ground on the fort. A week ago, Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Christiana Z. Chongthu had visited the Elgandal fort and expressed ire over the tardy progress of the works. She had instructed the consultants executing the song and lights show of Bengaluru to expedite the works at the earliest. District Tourism officer Venkateshwara Rao said that the executing agency had promised to complete the works within three months. He also said the Tourism Department had also proposed Haritha hotel in Karimnagar for the promotion of tourism circuit at Vemulawada, Kondagattu, Dharmapuri and Elgandal Fort.
