VIJAYAWADA: In a bid to preserve the historical significance of the Kondapalli Fort and promote tourism, the district administration has announced plans for its development in collaboration with the state departments of Culture, Archaeology and Tourism.
Collector G Lakshmisha along with Principal Secretary Vani Mohan and others visited the fort near Ibrahimpatnam. Later, the collector told the media that efforts would be initiated to develop the fort, a key heritage site in the district, to promote tourism.
He said chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu had evinced interest the fort’s historical richness. The Kondapalli festivities, celebrated extensively in 2019, aimed at revitalizing the fort's history.
The plan includes restoration work to make the fort accessible to visitors. A recent initiative allows visitors to scan photographs put up at an exhibition, via an app, to learn more about the fort’s significance.
Lakshmisha said the visual appearance of the Kondapalli fort has diminished over time. “The state government has prioritized tourism in its Vision Document Swarna Andhra 2047. Steps will be taken to enhance the infrastructure at Kondapalli port. We would orgnise daily cultural programmes to attract tourists.
Principal secretary Vani Mohan noted that numerous kings governed the region from Kondapalli Fort from around the 10th Century until the time of Independence. As fort was in a dilapidated state, funds were earmarked in 2019 for its development using modern technology.
“We would invite help through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for this purpose now,” she said.
A plan is to hold special events at Kondapalli port to attract tourists.
