metro india news  I hyderabad

Telangana’s Minister for IT and Industries, D. Sridhar Babu, had a productive meeting with Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, to discuss Telangana’s growing contributions to India’s tech landscape and strategic initiatives for the future. He emphasized Telangana's pivotal role in the country's semiconductor ecosystem and sought the Centre’s continued support to bolster the state’s contributions.

Sridhar Babu proposed establishing a National Disaster Recovery Zone for data centres in Telangana. This initiative aims to enhance business continuity and data security for the country’s growing digital infrastructure.

The Minister extended a formal invitation to the Union Minister to attend the prestigious BioAsia Summit, scheduled for February 24, 2025, in Hyderabad, showcasing Telangana's leadership in biotech and life sciences.

Minister Sridhar Babu expressed optimism about the meeting, stating, “Telangana is committed to strengthening its position in India's semiconductor and tech ecosystem. 

Our discussions today reiterate the potential of collaborative efforts to achieve this vision.” Proposal to elevate ‘Kaleshwaram–Manthani–Ramagiri’ corridor

Sridhar Babu presented a proposal to Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to elevate the ‘Kaleshwaram–Manthani–Ramagiri’ corridor into an iconic spiritual and heritage tourism circuit.

Perched on the serene banks of the sacred Godavari River, the Kaleshwaram Mukteshwar Temple is a divine marvel with over a thousand years of spiritual legacy. Revered as ‘Dakshina Kashi’ (The Varanasi of the South), this temple is uniquely blessed with two Shivlingas in its sanctum sanctorum — one symbolizing Mukteshwara (Lord Shiva) and the other Kaleshwara (Lord Yama). Minister Sridhar Babu elaborated on its unparalleled importance, drawing parallels with spiritual landmarks like Somnath, Kedarnath, and Kashi.

“The Kaleshwaram Temple is more than a place of worship; it is a spiritual powerhouse that attracts millions of devotees annually. This year’s Saraswati Pushkaralu is expected to bring in 30–40 lakh pilgrims, and the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027 could see over a crore visitors. With central assistance, we can transform this temple into a world-class spiritual and eco-tourism hub, complete with amenities that elevate the experience for global visitors," Sridhar Babu added.

Towering over the landscape with its 1,200-year-old legacy, the Ramagiri Fort is a treasure trove of history and legend. Its mention in the Ramayana, ancient temples dedicated to Lord Rama, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of rare medicinal plants make it an irresistible destination for travellers and history enthusiasts alike.

Minister Sridhar Babu called for its transformation into a mega tourism hub under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme or similar initiatives:

“Ramagiri Fort is a hidden gem, embodying the spirit of India’s ancient heritage. Its scenic beauty, mythological significance, and archaeological wealth make it a perfect fit for global recognition. Visitors are already flocking here, and with strategic investments, this fort can be elevated to the ranks of world-class heritage sites,” the minister said.