Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092759470500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Nagarjunasagar airstrip to be upgraded

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The existing airstrip at Nagarjunasagar will be upgraded to receive tourists from Buddhist nations, who may prefer to reach the place by private aircraft, and a satellite township developed close to the dam site.

These projects are being taken up as part of a long-term plan to make Nagarjunasagar an international tourist spot. In addition to 500-600 acres of government land available on either side of the dam, another 6,000 acres will be acquired for the purpose.

Tourism Minister A. Ramanarayan Reddy told reporters here on Friday after Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy reviewed the progress of tourism projects, that INCAP and the Tourism Department were asked to prepare detailed reports so that global tenders could be invited to execute the work.

He said the Union Tourism Ministry had cleared the Rs. 37-crore Kadapa Circuit project to develop Gandikota, Idupalapaya and other places in Kadapa district.

Another Rs. 49-crore circuit project, covering temples and pilgrims centres in Chittoor and Nellore, was awaiting Central clearance.

Proposals were submitted to sanction two more circuits to the State — one for Adilabad, Karimnagar and Warangal and the other for Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.