Steps under way to preserve ancient monuments, says Andhra Tourism Minister

Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh inspecting the Siddavatam fort in Kadapa district on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: Arrangement

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Sunday (December 23) said the government is committed to preserving the ancient and heritage monuments in the State for posterity.

Speaking to media persons after visiting the renowned Siddavatam fort here on Sunday, he spoke about the glory of the Matli rulers of the 2^nd century CE, who ruled the region with Siddavatam as their capital.

He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan had clearly instructed him on the steps needed to be taken to promote tourism in the State, indicating that infrastructure development would be taken up under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model by roping in investors.

Mr. Durgesh announced that a restaurant would be opened in Siddavatam and safari and boating would be introduced to attract tourists, besides bringing it under the ambit of a larger tourism circuit. Similarly, the dilapidated portions of the fort would be repaired and scores of temples situated around it would also be developed to ensure visit of all categories of tourists to the site.

Kodur MLA Arava Sridhar accompanied the Minister.