Hyderabad: Theme circuits all set to transform State into major tourist hub

♦ Three tourism circuits developed under Central scheme of Swadesh Darshan in different places of State will attract domestic and international tourists

♦ Works pertaining to three theme-based circuits almost complete

Hyderabad: Three tourism circuits developed by Union government in Telangana under Swadesh Darshan are ready to push the State to another level in attracting domestic and international tourists as the circuits including Warangal Tribal, Mahabubnagar Eco-Tourism and Hyderabad Heritage circuits were completed at the cost of Rs 274 crore, which were taken up two years ago.

The Ministry of Tourism had launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (Central Sector Scheme) for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country in 2014-15 and Telangana was allocated three such circuits including tribal, eco and heritage. The idea behind this move was to develop tourism and create jobs as country's rich cultural, historical, religious and natural heritage, which provide a huge potential.

Various themes which are unique and specific to the area can include beaches, culture, heritage, wildlife etc. Such theme- based tourist circuits should be developed in a manner that supports communities, provides employment and fosters social integration without comprising upon the environmental concerns and provides unique experiences to the tourists.

According to the officials in Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation, the works pertaining to the 3 theme-based circuits have almost got completed. A senior official in the Corporation said, the Centre had allocated Rs 274.92 crore for the three circuits and majority of the works have been completed. "We will be submitting the UCs and the Centre would be providing the funds based on the UCs by the State government," said the official.

Under the Eco tourism circuit in Mahabubnagar, development activities were taken up with Rs 91.62 crore at places like Somasila, Singotam, Farahabad, Mallelatheertham, Uma Maheshwaram, Akka Mahadevi caves, Kadalivanam, Egalpenta (Srisailam). The official said that the eco tourism circuit was delayed because of the delay in forest permissions. Development works like cottages, log huts, tourist amenities, landscaping, floating jetty, boating, facilities for trekking etc. are under completion.

Under the Tribal circuit in Warangal development activities were taken up with Rs 83.88 Crore at places like Gattamma, Laknavaram, Medaram, Tadvai, Damaravai, Mallur, Bogatha waterfalls. Cottages, tourist amenities, landscaping were taken up in several places including a tribal museum at Medaram, suspension bridge at Laknavaram, cruise boats etc.

Under the Heritage circuit, the Centre proposed to start have Qutub Shahi Heritage Park, developmental activities at Paigah Tomb, Hayat Bakshi Begum Mosque, Raymond's Tomb with Rs 92.92 Crore. The official said that the works were sanctioned in 2017 and added that they have time till June to complete the works. The works including, pavements, storm water conservation at Raymonds Tomb, pathways at Hayat Bakshi Mosque, parking facilities at Qutub Shahi Heritage Park etc were under process.