East Godavari district to be developed as tourism hub: Chandrababu Naidu

Rajahmundry: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the East Godavari district in the state will be developed as a 'tourism hub' due to the abundance of resources in the region.

"There are chance for the district to developed as a tourism hub. It has plenty resources like water, port, greenery, infrastructure and other facilities," he said at a foundation stone lying ceremony of a tourism park.

He said the waste water from river Godavari will be utilised for drought-prone Rayalaseema through Pattiseema lift-irrigation system as the state government's key intention is to utilise the waste water and give top priority to 'river linkage'.

The Chief Minister said two cargo ships (voda revu) will come up in the port city of Kakinada. "There was every need to set up industries in the state to provide employment opportunities to unemployed and eligible youths. Now, many countries in the world are looking at Andhra Pradesh for investment," he said.

A number of foreign companies have shown interest to set up firms into IT, software and other industries in the district.

He said Malaysia has shown interest to invest here for a project of constructing accommodations for tourists and will be building 150-200 rooms.

On other key issues, he said the state government has waived off crop loans to farmers and is implementing several socio-welfare schemes for the benefit of people.

He said the upcoming Godavari Pushakaram in July will be organised in a grand manner.