Nelakondapalli Buddhist Stupa to Grow as Global Tourism Hub
The state government has already sanctioned ₹2.50 crore for the development of the Nelakondapalli Buddhist site
Nalgonda: Plans are afoot to develop the Buddhist Stupa at Nelakondapalli in Khammam district into an international tourism hub.
The state government has already sanctioned ₹2.50 crore for the development of the Nelakondapalli Buddhist site. Following directions from the government, an official team on Thursday visited the Buddhist site to finalise facilities to be included in a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which would outline plans to equip the historic site with international-standard amenities.
The team, comprising officials and archaeology experts led by Telangana heritage department director professor Arjun Rao Kuthadi and Buddhavanam project mentor C. Anjaneya Reddy, examined the Buddhist Stupa. They conducted an on-site review covering utilisation of the sanctioned ₹2.50 crore, future funding projections, landscaping plans and the design of tourism-related amenities.
Professor Kuthadi said that, as part of the master plan for the development of the Buddhist site, a decision had been taken to conduct a subsurface geophysical survey in collaboration with the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), instead of limiting efforts to surface excavations. He said the survey would help identify historical remains hidden beneath the ground and enable their scientific excavation and preservation.
He said four acres of land would be acquired near the Buddhist site for development of infrastructure to attract tourists. Facilities proposed for tourists include a 3D Interpretation Centre showcasing the site's history, audio-visual galleries, an open-air amphitheatre, international-standard walking trails and lighting systems.
A comprehensive report on the development of the Buddhist site would be submitted to the government within the next two months based on the study, he added.