Andhra Pradesh

Eco-tourism to come up at Pulicat

BHEEMUNIVARI PALEM (NELLORE DT): Eco-Tourism Centre (ETC) as well as Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) will soon come up at Pulicat lake near Bheemunivaripalem village. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will set up ETC while Savera Hotels in association with Government of Andhra Pradesh will set up FEC to promote eco-tourism at Pulicat lake, Information and Public Relations Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy said after laying foundation stones for both the projects here recently. The Minister said the ETC would serve nature loving tourists as a base camp providing basic amenities and creating awareness on ecological aspects pertaining to Pulicat lake. “The Centre has already sanctioned Rs. 1.67 crore for development of reception lounge and information centre while the APTDC from its budget will develop 12 cottages, dormitory and a restaurant for convenience of tourists. And the total cost of the project is Rs. 2.5 crore.

Mr. Reddy said Savera Hotels, a unit of Savera Industries Limited, would set up a FEC with 18 air-conditioned cottages, 10 AC tents, swimming pool, children play area with electronic games, night barbecue parties, conference facilities, amphitheatre and club house in the first phase. Subsequently, it might add boat houses, floating restaurants, partying on the lake and health spa besides increasing the number of cottages, he said.

“As a whole, the State Government is planning to develop the area on tourism front with a view to creating employment avenues to local people. ”

Mr. Reddy claimed the strategic location of Pulicat and its proximity to Chennai international and domestic airports as well as to Tirupati domestic airport could woo potential tourists.

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