Tourism development neglected in Prakasam

Tourism development neglected in Prakasam September 27, 2011 By Md. ilyas | DC Ongole Tourism development neglected in Prakasam Tourism development is still a mirage in Prakasam district. Despite having several captivating spots and ancient sculptures, it fails to attract tourists due to negligence of officials. In a day and as a matter of custom, officials will celebrate World Tourism Day on Tuesday amidst criticism from people that they have never tried develop tourism in the district. Prominent beaches in the district —Kothapatnam, Ramayapatnam, Vodarevu, Chirala, Motupalli, Karedu and Pakala— have no basic amenities. Twelve years after the construction of 10 cottages and a hotel at Kothapatnam beach, these are totally dilapidated. Singarakonda is famous for the ancient Prasann-anjaneya Swamy statue and a Dhwajastambham erected 200 years ago. Ancient Buddhist stupas and a Rama temple can be viewed at the 1st century AD Motupalli. Chandavaram on the banks of the Gundlakam-ma river has Buddhist scu-lptors and other relics dating to the 2nd century B.C. Tourists have no proper access to reach the five-face lingam and Ganga Bhavani on the hilltop at Tripurantakeswaram. The temple was burgled twice in the last decade. Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy temple at Markapuram built in 1405-1459 A.D, has a gopuram which can be seen from 20 km from all directions and is also neglected. The seventh largest pond in the Asian continent, Cumbam chervu built by king Srikrishna Devaraya, 500 years ago in memory of his wife Varada Rajamma and the British-built Ramayapatnam light house are also ignored spots. Bhairavakona temple located in naturally carved caves, and built in 7th A.D. has no transport facility. Similarly, the ancient Venkateswara swamy temple located on the banks of the Gundlakamma has no approachability though it has boating facility. Prakasam district in-charge tourism officer, Mr M. Nagbabhushanam, said that recently, the government had sanctioned Rs.3.25 crore for the development of Ramayapatnam and these works would start soon. Speaking to this newspaper over phone on Monday, he added that repairs of cottages at Kothapatnam beach were under prog-ress. He said that maintenance of these cottages would be given to private persons through tenders. He said that Rs.15 lakh each were sanctioned for the development of Bhairava-kona, Singarakonda and Lakshminarsimha Swamy temples of Markapuram and these works would get underway next month. He also revealed plans to develop the Buddhist stupas in Chandavaram into a heritage centre.