SSS District Celebrates World Tourism Daly At Thimmamma Marrimanu
The MLA and collector called upon people to actively participate: Reports
ANANTAPUR: Sri Sathya Sai district celebrated World Tourism Day with grandeur on Sunday at Thimmamma Marrimanu, a Guinness World Record-listed banyan tree near Gootibailu village in the Kadiri mandal.
On the occasion, Kadiri MLA Kandikunta Venkata Prasad and collector K. Shyam Prasad unveiled the foundation stone for a botanical garden at Eswaramalai. The garden would feature rare medicinal and native plant species of Rayalaseema region. It will provide visitors and students an opportunity to learn about biodiversity and the environment.
The MLA and collector called upon people to actively participate in protecting the district’s rich tourism and heritage assets.
The Tourism department organised the event. It included the inauguration of “Ask AI” app at the main entrance of Thimmamma Marrimanu and coincided with the releasing of colourful balloons. Government employees, students, and visitors participated in an Eco- Heritage Walk up to Eswaramalai. The event included traditional performances.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Venkata Prasad said protecting tourism heritage is not merely the government’s responsibility but also that of every citizen. He called for Thimmamma Marrimanu and other tourist spots to be developed as plastic-free destinations.
Collector Shyam Prasad said several destinations in Sri Sathya Sai district have earned a place on the global tourism map. While Puttaparthi is renowned as a spiritual centre, Thimmamma Marrimanu represents the region’s natural heritage, he underlined, announcing that plans are being prepared to improve infrastructure at the various tourist destinations.
Cultural performances, a coffee-table book launch, felicitation of tourism and heritage contributors, nature observation activities, and an essay competition for students marked the World Tourism Day celebrations in the district.