Anakapalli Utsav opens with events at Kondakarla Ava, Mutyalammapalem beach

Visakhapatnam: Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu on Friday inaugurated the two-day Anakapalli Utsav on Friday at Kondakarla Ava, with parallel programmes at Anakapalli, Mutyalammapalem Beach, and other venues. The Speaker described Kondakarla Ava as the second-largest natural lake in the country, stressing its potential to boost tourism, generate local employment, and inspire reforestation efforts. Ayyannapatrudu said reservoirs in the district should be developed as tourist spots, with Kondakarla Ava positioned to attract foreign visitors. Ministers Kollu Ravindra and V Anita, along with Anakapalli MP CM Ramesh, pledged support for developing the 1,800-acre Kondakarla Ava. They said festivals should be organised across districts to spur tourism and jobs. An audio-visual song was released during the inauguration.As part of Visakha Utsav, attractions included boat rides, puppet shows, traditional drums, and cultural programmes. Creative tourism stalls showcased Etikoppaka toys, woodcraft, Savara paintings, block printing, pottery, fishing gear, clay dolls, and traditional art, with strong public and student participation. Local products such as Madugula halwa, Araku coffee, tribal crafts, and traditional dishes drew significant tourist interest.