A view of Nagarjuna Konda, a Buddhist tourism site at Nagarjuna Sagar in Palnadu district.
| Photo Credit: File Photo
Nagarjuna Sagar, a key tourist destination in Macharla constituency of Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh, is all set to get a facelift with the Central government sanctioning ₹25 crore for its development.
The funds have been allocated under the ‘Challenge-Based Destination Development’ initiative of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, says the official orders issued by the Central government.
The initiative aims to enrich the Buddhist heritage and cultural landmarks of the region, while enhancing tourism infrastructure.
The Andhra Pradesh government had presented a detailed proposal to the Mission Directorate, seeking financial assistance for the development of Nagarjuna Sagar as a prominent tourist destination. After a thorough evaluation, the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee approved the proposal..
In the pipeline
With the sanctioned funds, Nagarjuna Sagar will witness improvement in infrastructure including development of Buddhist-themed gardens and heritage structures, setting up bio-toilets with compartment facilities, and installation of CCTV cameras and other security systems.
A dedicated tourism website and online ticketing platform will also be launched, along with a 3D hologram system and live interactive touch screens.
Training and sensitisation workshops will be conducted, and green parks will be created to improve the ecological balance.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will oversee the implementation of the project, which is scheduled to be completed within a year.
Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu played a crucial role by engaging with the authorities concerned to secure the approval.
He said that this funding would significantly enhance the tourism potential of Nagarjuna Sagar.
Macharla MLA Julakanti Brahma Reddy welcomed the development, emphasising that efforts would be made to ensure swift and effective implementation of the project.
Published – March 30, 2025 05:00 am IST
