Union Minister for Tourism (I/C) Dr. K. Chiranjeevi has approved Central Finance Assistance (CFA) of Rs. 25.04 crores for the ongoing tourism mega circuit projects at Tirupati and Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh.
The mega circuit project at Tirupati has been sanctioned Rs.1395.75 lakhs under the 2nd instalment. This project involves the development of tourism facilities at various temples in Chittoor District like Sri Kalyana Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, Sri Vedanaryana Swamy Temple, Srivari mettu, Chandragiri fort, Sri Kalahasteeshwara Temple and Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple. These funds have been sanctioned for the construction of tourist arrival centres and tourist information centres, mini cultural auditoriums, children parks and renovation of Dwaja Stambham at various temples.
An amount of Rs.1107.87 lakhs has been sanctioned for the mega circuit project in Kadapa under the 2nd instalment. Kadapa was selected as a mega circuit destination because of presence of chain of temples and forts that exist since the Vijaya Nagara Empire. There are total 21 temples and related forts covered under this project in Kadapa District that include Gandikota fort, Vaidhyanatha Swami Temple, Saumya Natha Temple, Kodandarama Temple, Athirala Parasurma Temple. All these temples have immense antiquity and heritage importance.
Development of tourism facilities like construction of public toilets, drinking water facilities, landscaping and park development and tourist information centres at various locations shall be undertaken as part of the project.
Development and promotion of various tourism destinations & products, is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. However, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for tourism projects identified in consultation with them, subject to availability of funds, inter-se-priority and adherence to the Scheme Guidelines.
