Visakhapatnam: Aiming at gaining sympathy and support from the tribal population in Vizag Agency, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that the TD government had halted the proposed bauxite mining in Vizag Agency, considering their feelings and sentiments. Mr Naidu has not given any indication that the government will cancel the bauxite mining in the region.
Addressing tribal folk at at a function to mark International Day of World’s Indigenous People’s at Araku Valley in Vizag Agency, Mr Naidu said the TD government had halted bauxite mining for the benefit of tribals and locals must use natural resources for development. Araku is noted for its huge potential for eco- and adventure tourism, the lush green mountains and waterfalls are the gift of nature, Mr Naidu said. He said the TD government has decided to develop Araku the eco tourism circuit under the PPP model, with an investment of over Rs 110 crore.
He said Infrasructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) will prepare a report on the Tourism circuit. “Apart from the Kuchipudi dance, we have decided to promote the tribal dance Dhimsa,” Mr Naidu said. He said there was a need to increase the area under coffee from 1.5 lakh acres to 5 lakh acres as Araku’s coffee and pepper were famous around the globe and would generate huge revenue to the growers. “We have planned to hold the Balloon Festival, Flower Festival, Tribal Festival and Water Sports Festival in Araku to draw tourists. We will soon release a calendar for the festivals,” he said. He later announced some sops on the occasion.
