Hyderabad, July 6 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday directed officials to develop eco-tourism on forest department lands within the Hyderabad core urban area limits.

He also wants forest lands within the limits of Bharat Future City to be developed as international-level tourism destinations.

He suggested developing these forest lands as eco-parks in the city, similar to the Gurramguda Eco Park, inaugurated recently in Rangareddy district.

At a review meeting on the Tourism Department, the CM asked officials to expedite the implementation of works related to tourism development projects initiated in the state.

He directed officials to collaborate with the Tourism Department to develop eco-tourism on forest department lands within the Hyderabad core urban area limits.

He said eco-tourism projects should be developed in an urban forest style within the limits of CURE, and special officers should be appointed to expedite the works for that purpose.

The Chief Minister said tourist areas in the city should be further developed, and the Taramati Baradari should be made more attractive.

He instructed that Durgam Cheruvu should be developed into a full-fledged tourist destination.

He also issued directions for the modernisation of Manjeera and Dilkhusha guest houses in Hyderabad.

CM Revanth Reddy asked officials to develop Vikarabad under the Tourism Hub Development Scheme, with a primary focus on developing Sri Veerabhadraswami Temple. He ordered the formation of a managing committee for the temple, similar to Yadadrigutta.

The CM directed that bridges like Puranapul, which stand as heritage assets in Hyderabad, should be developed into tourist destinations, and necessary plans should be formulated and implemented.

He suggested that, after development, if necessary, traffic should be diverted through alternate routes to provide access to tourists.

While inquiring about investments in the tourism sector, the Chief Minister said preparations should begin for the Global Investment Summit to be held in December. He informed officials to set up high-level committees for coordination among various departments for this summit.

Chief Minister’s advisor K. Ramakrishna Rao, Special Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Tourism Department Special Principal Secretary Vani Prasad, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

–IANS

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