Hyderabad: Tourism Minister V. Srinivas Goud on Thursday informed the Telangana Legislative Assembly that the State Government would take steps to develop the Sarla Sagar and Koil Sagar projects as tourist destinations.
Replying to a question raised by TRS MLA A. Venkateshwara Reddy during Question Hour, the Tourism Minister said that the government was taking measures to turn irrigation projects as tourist destinations. He said proposals of Rs. 8.30 Crore have been sent to develop Koil Sagar as a tourist destination. He said that the development works would be carried out only after getting the approval of the Central Government. Calling Sarla Sagar as a wonderful place, he said that this area too would develop as a tourist spot.
Srinivas Goud said that the Telangana region has a rich history and it is famous for its historical monuments, waterfalls and forests. However, he said Telangana remained neglected in the past in the tourism circuit. Due to the efforts of the State Government, he said tourism has increased by 14.69% after the formation of Telangana State. As against nearly 70 lakh tourists in the past, over three crore tourists visited after the formation of Telangana State before the outbreak of Corona pandemic.
The Tourism Minister said that many newly constructed reservoirs were being developed as tourist destinations. He said that the boating facility at Koil Sagar would be available from 17th of March and there are plans to construct cottages. He said famous temples were also being developed. Wonderful cottages were built at Somasila Reservoir and bookings are being made a month in advance.Srinivas Goud said that the State Government was also setting up the largest Buddhist Temple in Asia at Nagarjuna Sagar. (INN)