Develop AP into tourist hub: Union Minister

Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, Jan 5: All the historical temple towns of Srikalahasti, Tiruchanoor and Tirupati in Chittoor district would be developed into tourist hubs, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said here today.

Addressing a public meeting, after laying foundation stone for S R Sankaran lake garden and boat club, to be developed in 24 acres with an estimated cost of about Rs 15 crore here, he said Pulikat lake, Srikalahasti, Tiruchanoor, Gudimallam and Tirupati would be developed as entire tourist circuit by connecting with metro-train besides air-connecting facilities. The economic activities would also be developed, he added.

He said Andhra Pradesh is known all over the world and not for Sania Mirza or any others.

Explaining the vital role played by Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the state he said Women Reservation Bill would be moved in Parliament soon.

SHGs should also play a major role in the eradication of AIDS from Andhra Pradesh, Mr Ramesh said adding that to help SHG and create employment for women, cluster bean cultivation would be developed in Chittoor and Anantapur districts.

To help mango farmers in the district for exporting, Mr Ramesh said a Vapour Heat Treatment Plant (VHTP) would be set up in agriculture market yard near Tirupati to disinfect stations of mangoes from fruit flies. He said the Balaji dairy would be revived and expanded shortly for the benefit of dairy farmers in the district.

Later, the Union Minister inaugurated a mega pylon at Thondamanadu near here, where cholas and pallavas fought battle 1,100 years back.

UNI