Centre to aid Buddhist corridor in Srikakulam

​Srikakulam: In a major boost to Buddhist corridor proposed by tourism and archaeology departments to protect ancient monuments, besides attracting tourists, the Central government reportedly will grant funds worth Rs 8 crore.

While the tourism and archaeology officials are busy preparing a detailed project report (DPR), a consultancy team from Central government visited Buddhist spots at Nagaralapeta village near Kalingapatnam and Salihundam in Gara mandal, Danthavarapukota in Sarubujjili and Jagathimettu in Polaki mandals. The team also held meeting with additional joint collector P Rajani Kantha Rao.

While Nagaralapeta and Shalihundam are under control of Central archaeology department, Danthavarapukota and Jagathimettu are under control of state archaeology department.

“In coordination with Central and state archaeology departments state tourism officials decided to develop these spots with Central government aid,” informed1 additional joint collector, P.Rajani Kantha Rao The Central team identified that an approach road and a garden are required at Nagaralapeta for which Rs 50 lakh is needed.

For developmental works like parks, rest houses, rest benches and toilets at Danthavarapukota, Shalihundam Rs 4 crore are required. To develop Jagathimettu another Rs 2 crore funds are needed. For other development works another Rs 1.50 crore funds needed.

“We visited four Buddhist spots along with consultancy team and identified required development works at all the locations to attract tourists,” said district tourism promotion officer (DTPO) Nadiminti Narayana Rao.