Akhila Priya vows to ground more tourism projects

Visakhapatnam: The state government will speed up the proposed tourism projects that are signed during the partnership summit, according to minister for tourism Bhuma Akhila Priya.

Addressing a press conference, here on Saturday, she said 28 MoUs were signed for various projects but not a single project had taken off so far. “Only 8 projects will be executed soon, she admitted. This is her maiden visit to the city, after she took over charge as the minister. She held a review meeting with tourism and APTDC officials on the implementation of ongoing projects.

She said the with the launch of direct flights to Colombo there would be more medical and pilgrimage to the Buddhist shrines. Reviving hopes on INS Viraat, she said the detailed project report would be completed soon and submitted to the government.

On beach tourism, the minister said 14 beaches in the state have been identified for development and a DPR has been sent to the union tourism ministry. “We are waiting for approval and sanctions of funds to take up the works,” she added
On the Seema politics that is drawing wide attention, Akhila Priya said she was sure of Telugu Desam Party winning Nandyal by-polls with a majority of over 30,000.

Dismissing the claims of YSRCP that TD will lose the by-election, Akhila Priya said that people have lot of faith in TDP for its development works in Nandyal constituency. “An amount of Rs12 crore has been spent for various development works in the constituency,” she said.

Replying to a question on hereditary politics thriving in AP and other parts, the young minister justified entry of kin stating that sons and daughters of politicians, who have guts and ready to face challenges can always enter politics as profession.