Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu announced ambitious plans for the rapid development of the state’s tourism sector, promising visible progress within the next year under the Indiramma Rajyam initiative. Speaking at a media conference following his visit to the historic Khammam Fort on Monday, Bhatti declared that the government would allocate substantial funds for tourism development and undertake extensive promotional campaigns to elevate Telangana’s presence on the global tourism map.
Bhatti praised the proactive approach of Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who has been personally visiting tourist sites across various districts. Jupally, along with local MLAs and ministers, recently completed a tour of Mahbubnagar and has now begun his tour of Khammam district. Bhatti endorsed the Minister’s suggestion that local leaders should visit and stay at tourist locations with their families to better understand the potential and needs of these sites.
Highlighting Khammam district’s vast potential for eco and temple tourism, Bhatti noted that the forests stretching from Kunnerasani to Bhadrachalam are ideal for eco-tourism initiatives. Additionally, he emphasized the rich opportunities for temple tourism, citing the route from the Buddhist monument in Nelakondapalli to the Sitarama Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam via Jamalapuram.
In a significant development, Bhatti revealed that the long-pending proposal for a ropeway to Khammam Fort has finally received approval, with funds to be released shortly to begin construction. The project is expected to be completed in the coming months, further enhancing the district’s appeal to tourists.
Bhatti also proposed inviting Buddhists from countries like Japan to visit the Nelakondapalli Buddhist monuments, which would help promote Telangana’s rich cultural heritage and increase international tourist footfall. This influx of visitors is expected to generate revenue for local communities and create employment opportunities for the region’s youth.
Recognizing Hyderabad as a hub for the software sector, Bhatti suggested the development of trekking trails, walking tracks, resorts, and high-speed internet facilities in nearby forest areas. These amenities would allow IT professionals to enjoy a relaxing environment while staying connected for work, making weekend getaways more attractive.
During his visit to the Nelakondapalli Buddhist monument, Bhatti recommended organizing celebrations for important Buddhist festivals at the site. He mentioned that the government has already sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the promotion of Buddhist tourism sites and urged that work on these initiatives begin promptly. Bhatti also stressed the importance of preserving Kondapalli Aramam’s historical significance while making it accessible to tourists and ensuring adequate facilities and security are in place.
