Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said on Sunday that appropriate steps are being taken to preserve historical monuments. As part of his tour to Kadapa District on Sunday, the Minister visited Siddhavattam Fort along with Railway Kodur MLA Aruva Sridhar and tourism officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that there is a need to preserve historical heritage buildings. He mentioned that he inspected the Shiva temple and mosque in the magnificent Siddhapatam Fort, built by the Matli Kings in the second century. He said that tourist areas are being developed with the cooperation of State Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and State Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. He said that a meeting was recently held with investors in the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP)  model for the development of tourist areas.

He said that the temples around Siddhavatam Fort will be preserved and developed. He also said that efforts will be made to develop this area in the form of safari, boating, restaurant and circuit. He said that repairs will be carried out on the dilapidated parts of Siddhavatam Fort. He also said that tourists coming here will stay and visit the places here. He said that this is providing employment to the local people.

He said that the central government has already provided support to Gandikota in the district and that eco-tourism, temple tourism and wellness tourism will be developed in other areas as well. He said that all the tourist areas in the state will be developed and historical monuments will be restored to their former glory. He said that there are many tourist areas in the district and they will be developed step by step. Earlier, State Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh inspected the fort walls, main gates, Siddhavateswara Swamy Temple, Nandi statue, ancient sculptures, Koneru and other places on foot at Siddhavattam Fort.

Later, they visited the Bismillah Shawali Dargah and Mosque built during the time of Tipu Sultan and offered prayers. The minister asked the officials about the uniqueness of the tunnel constructed in the fort wall, the historical background of the Chakrayantra and other details. They were enchanted by the history of Siddhavattam. In this context, they assured that the Siddhavattam area would soon be developed into a prominent tourist destination.

Tourism officials, local leaders, and others participated in this program.