Nelakondapalli Buddhist site to be developed as international heritage centre

Telangana is preparing a Rs 4.26 crore master plan to develop Nelakondapalli’s Buddhist site into an international-standard heritage and tourism centre. The project includes tourist infrastructure, scientific conservation of viharas and archaeological structures, with input from monks and local experts

Khammam: A master plan is being prepared to develop the historic Buddhist site at Nelakondapalli in Khammam district into an international-standard Buddhist heritage and tourism centre at a cost of Rs 4.26 crore, district Collector Diwakara T.S. said.

The Collector, along with senior officials from various government departments, held a meeting at Nelakondapalli on Tuesday to seek suggestions from Buddhist monks from Thailand, Cambodia and Maharashtra on the conservation and restoration of the site.

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He said the primary objective was to scientifically preserve the historical heritage for future generations while developing the site into a destination that attracts Buddhist pilgrims from across India and abroad.

An expert committee comprising Telangana Department of Heritage Director Professor Arjun Rao Kuthadi, Buddhist expert Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, retired IPS officer Upendra Reddy and Buddhavanam Special Officer Lakshmaiah has been formed to prepare the development plan. The works are expected to be completed over the next 18 months, Diwakara said.

Professor Arjun Rao said the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation would undertake infrastructure development for tourists at the site at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore.

The conservation and restoration of ancient Buddhist viharas (monasteries), the assembly hall and other archaeological structures would be taken up at a cost of Rs 1.76 crore. Funds for the projects have been secured through YTPS and Telangana Genco.

The work would use scientific conservation methods to ensure that the original structural form, historical significance and architectural style of the monuments remain intact, Prof. Arjun Rao said.

Buddhist monks Ajahn Dhammadharo, Ajahn Kovido, Ajahn Narito and Ajahn Thirayuth from Thailand, Indriya Samvaro from Cambodia, and Abhivanno from Maharashtra suggested that the Nelakondapalli Buddhist site be developed to international standards to attract pilgrims from across the globe.

Former DGP C. Anjaneya Reddy, RTI Commissioner P.V. Srinivasa Rao, Heritage Telangana Deputy Directors Dr. P. Nagaraju and N. Narsing, district tourism officer Suman Chakravarthy and others attended the meeting.