Process initiated for water sports at 19 locations across Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad: Provisional registrations have been issued for 19 locations across Andhra Pradesh for water and adventure sports, beaches, backwaters and theme parks with an investment of about Rs 21 crore, a top state government official said on Thursday.

Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao, who held a meeting with the officers of Tourism Department to review on the proposed projects under PPP mode here yesterday, said that operator preparations are underway to start the operations.

Scuba diving, water skiing, banana boat ride, pedal boating etc, will be covered under water sports. Water sports at Visakhapatnam Mangammavaripet will be operational within three months, the Chief Secretary said.

Grounding process has been initiated for water sports, amphibious vehicles, river cruises, beach and backwater sports, sea planes, hotels, resorts and wayside amenities, he said, adding that provisional registration process for amphibious vehicles, river cruises, beach and backwater resorts was under process.

Proposals are under circulation with INCAP, Finance and Law Department for taking up under Swiss challenge method to develop and to operate IMAX cineplexes at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati, Rao said. For sound and light and laser shows, leading agencies in the country are empanelled and feasibility reports under preparation for each location, he said.

The Chief Secretary said that Government of Andhra Pradesh is focusing to organise mega tourism events like shopping festival, Budha Jayanthi, Flemingo Festival etc, by making the state as tourism hub.

Leading global and Indian corporations have expressed strong desire to take partnership with AP government and as a first step MoU also signed towards execution of tourism infrastructure in the state. Department has taken up promotion and marketing in tourism in a big way, Rao added. Principal Secretary Tourism N K Prasad and others attended the meeting.