₹255-Crore Plan To Turn Nalgonda Into Tourism Hub

Nalgonda: A proposal has been prepared by the municipal authorities to develop Nalgonda as a tourist destination at an expenditure of Rs 225 billion, citing the town’s geographical advantage and existing heritage sites. Officials said the plan focuses on utilizing the historical temples, hills and water bodies in and around Nalgonda to increase tourist flow. Prominent attractions include Chaya Someshwaralayam and Pachhala Someshwalalayam in Panagal, as well as the Udayasamudram Balancing Reservoir, which attracts visitors especially on auspicious days. An archaeological museum located near Pachhala Someshwaralayam also showcases the regional heritage.

Hill areas such as Latheef Saheb Hill and Brahmamgari Gutta have been identified for development as spiritual tourism centres. Ghat road works to improve access to these locations are currently ongoing at a cost of around Rs 140 billion.

Municipal officials said the comprehensive proposal will be submitted to the state government for approval. The plan comes in the wake of announcements made by the previous BRS government, including a proposal for a mini Shilparamam arts and crafts village in Panagal, which are yet to be implemented.

Social activist Gundu Venkateshwarlu said there were still traditional artists in the region practicing forms like Tholubommalata and called for setting up a mini Shilparamam in Nalgonda to promote local culture and create employment.

Nalgonda mayor Burri Chaithanya said the proposal, prepared as per the instructions of Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, outlines projects with an estimated cost of Rs 255 billion.

The plan includes a ropeway between Latheef Saheb Hill and Kapuralagutta at a cost of Rs 118 crore, development of lake tourism at Udayasamudram at Rs 25 crore and beautification works at the reservoir at Rs 5 crore. It also proposes Rs 13 crore for development of Latheef Saheb dargah, Rs 1.89 crore for Chaya Someshwaralayam and Rs 5 crore for Pachhala Someshwalalayam and archaeological museum.

Other allocations include Rs75 billion for road development and Rs5 billion for upgrading major junctions. The mayor said the minister assured him that he would discuss the proposal with the state government for approval and sanction of funds.