Nelakondapalli Buddhist site to be developed as major heritage, tourism hub; ₹4.26 crore earmarked

The State government has drawn up plans to develop the ancient Buddhist site at Nelakondapalli into a world-class heritage and tourism destination, aiming to position it among the top three Buddhist centres in India, said Khammam Collector Divakara T.S.

He was speaking at a meeting on the development, conservation and restoration of the Buddhist Mahastupa at Nelakondapalli in Khammam district on Tuesday.

Mr. Divakara said a comprehensive action plan was being prepared to preserve the site’s historical significance while developing it as a major destination for Buddhist pilgrims and tourists.

The meeting was attended by officials of the Department of Heritage, the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), archaeology and tourism experts, Buddhist monks from India, Cambodia and Thailand, and other stakeholders.

The discussions focused on conserving and restoring the ancient structures and improving tourism infrastructure at the site, according to a press release.

Mr. Divakara said a core committee comprising experts in Buddhist traditions had been constituted to finalise the development plan.

The government aimed to develop Nelakondapalli into a prominent Buddhist centre within the next 18 months, taking into account the suggestions of Buddhist monks and other experts.

The initiative seeks to enhance the site’s national and international prominence while promoting the Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and harmony, he said.

Director of the Department of Heritage Prof. K. Arjun Rao said tourism infrastructure at the Buddhist site would be developed at an estimated cost of ₹2.50 crore under the aegis of the TGTDC.

Conservation and restoration works on the ancient Buddhist viharas and other associated structures would be undertaken at an estimated cost of ₹1.76 crore.

The conservation and restoration works would be carried out using scientific methods to preserve the original structures, their architectural features and historical significance.