Kotappakonda fest to promote eco-awareness

Guntur: For the first time, the state government has decided to conduct a three-day festival at Kotappakonda from January 19 to 21. The main purpose of this festival is to create awareness among the people on the need to protect hills so that ecological balance is maintained.

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu will be participating in the hill festival. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department in association with other departments are conducting the festival. Assembly Speaker Dr Kodela Siva Prasada Rao took the initiative in organising the event.

The festival is expected to encourage heli-tourism. The government has decided to make available a helicopter for the visitors who can enjoy a ride by paying Rs 2,500 and have an aerial view of Amaravati, Kotappakonda, Golden Temple Complex which is under construction, Kondaveedu Fort and surrounding areas. The officials feel that this would attract the tourists in large numbers.

A walking track has been laid around the hill as devotees believe that if they do ‘Giri pradakshana’ would get blessings from Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara.

The district administration has taken steps to conduct cultural programmes during the festivities. Food courts will be set up. Trekking, amusement and adventure sports will be additional attraction. The Speaker along with his followers had several times performed Giri pradakshana at Kotappakonda and took initiative to develop infrastructure at the hill.

Guntur rural police officials are making elaborate security arrangements to provide security to the visitors. To make the hill festival, a grand success, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism department is conducting the awareness programmes.