Visakhapatnam: Thotlakonda to be developed as tourist spot

Visakhapatnam: Minister for Tourism Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao has announced to develop Thotlakonda as a tourism and meditation spot.

As part of his visit to Thotlakonda on Monday, he offered to rebuild the Buddhist structure, where a portion of the Maha Stupa collapsed due to recent rains.

Srinivasa Rao inspected its present status, brought it to the notice of Commissioner of Archaeology and Museums G Vani Mohan and sought remedial action to rebuild the Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda. Describing India as land of peace, the minister said the birthplace of Buddha where his relics and places of importance should be preserved for future generations.

He offered to develop Thotlakonda as a meditation centre and announced to form a committee to inquire into the damage caused by rains to Maha Stupa, which was reconstructed during the TDP regime.

Terming the recent damage as an unfortunate incident, Srinivasa Rao added that the heritage site that dates back to second century BC will be taken care and developed into a world-class Buddhist spot to attract tourists from across the world.