The Rajampet

KADAPA: An eco-tourism project and boat safari will be constructed at Kotapadu village in Vontimitta mandal at a cost of Rs. 1.35 crore and the area submerged by Somasila backwaters will be developed into a tourist spot, Minister for Forests Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy said on Sunday.

Special plans were being formulated to facilitate people to go on picnicking up to 30 to 40 kms. deep into the Somasila backwaters in boat safaris and to curb red sander smuggling from the area, the Minister said after laying foundation stone for the eco-tourism project at Kotapadu. The revenue accruing from the project would be spent for the welfare of the poor, he said. Tourism projects would generate employment to youth.

The government released Rs. 50 lakh for the project and it comprises a watch tower, light house, wireless centre linked to Kadapa, hotels and other amenities, he said.