Visakhapatnam: State plans tourism circuit connecting all tribal areas

Visakhapatnam: Tourism Minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao has underlined the need to create awareness among tribals about various schemes being implemented for their welfare besides allocation of funds for works in the Agency.

Participating as chief guest in the launch of 'Araku Utsav 2020' at Araku Valley here on Saturday, he said the fruits of welfare schemes were not reaching tribals due to lack of awareness.

The aim of holding the festival was to promote tourism in the Agency which would create job opportunities to unemployed youth, said the Minister.

Stating that the Agency area has several waterfalls and places of historical significance, Srinivasa Rao said the government was planning a tourism circuit connecting all such areas.

Tourism managing director Pravin Kumar, Araku MLA Chetti Phalguna and others spoke.

Various exhibits at stalls reflecting the tribal culture attracted visitors at the festival.

Sports events, including archery, were held on the inaugural day wherein scores of locals took part enthusiastically.

The two-day festival is being held at Araku Valley with funds to the tune of Rs one crore in the Agency area.

Elaborate designs of rangoli adorn the grounds as a host of events begins at Araku Valley, marking the inaugural of the Araku Utsav on Saturday.

Srinivasa Rao, Araku MP G Madhavi, Araku MLA Chetti Phalguna and Paderu MLA K. Bhagya Lakshmi, among others teamed up to dance along with the tribals at the inaugural programme.