By: Naveen Kumar Tallam
About 3.5 km stretch between Vemulawada and Nampalli hillocks is likely to become a tourism corridor soon, thanks to a massive plan proposed by the officials and local MLA Ch Ramesh.
According to the plan, the bund of Vemulawada Gudi ‘Cheruvu’ (tank) adjacent to Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple would become a mini tank bund. Minister for Irrigation T Harish Rao sanctioned Rs 17 crore for strengthening retaining wall and bund under Mission Kakatiya. Tourism department sent a proposal of Rs 38 crore to the state government.
Sri Laxminarsimha Swamy temple, associated with Vemulawada temple on Nampalli hillocks is also attracting pilgrims. The hillock is shaped like Kaliya Mardanam, Lord Srikrishna’s dancing posture on the five-headed snake is an attraction to pilgrims. At least half of the devotees to Vemulawada temple also visit this hillock temple.
A ghat road on to Nampalli hillock is under construction with an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakh. MLA Ramesh said Gudikunta Cheruvu adjacent to the temple road near the hillocks would be developed with pumping water. It will be included in the next phase of Mission Kakatiya, he said and added since its ayacut is reduced now it is useful for tourism development. From Vemulawada arch to Vemulawada bypass Rs 50 crore is sanctioned for a four lane road and bridge construction on Moolavagu.
District Tourism officer R Venkateshwar Rao said they are first concentrating on Vemulawada boating activities for pilgrims in Gudi Cheruvu. Once the proposal is sanctioned they will come out with new plans, he said. A tourism hotel in Vemulawada temple town is also under progress.
Yellampalli Irrigation Project pipe line is being set up to fill water in the temple tank. In future it becomes a reservoir and benefits water table in the temple town. On the new broad gauge railway line Kothapalli -Manoharabad sanctioned to Telangana state, a railway station would come up near Nampalli hillocks, the MLA said.
Source: The New Indian Express