Centre releases 114 crore under SASEC scheme

Visakhapatnam: Union govt has released Rs 114 crore for the development of the Godavari River and Gandikota under the special assistance to states for capital investment (SASEC) scheme. State tourism minister Kandula Durgesh said that the funds would provide a new impetus for tourism development in Andhra Pradesh. "These funds will be used to develop infrastructure and facilities in the Godavari and Gandikota regions to attract tourists. We will strive to realise deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan's vision of developing Gandikota as the Indian Grand Canyon. Union govt has approved 66% of the funds in the first instalment, and the remaining 34% will be released once 75% of the funds are utilised. By properly developing key projects, we can attract not only domestic but also international tourists to the state. AP has already submitted detailed project reports to the Centre for the relevant projects," said Durgesh.The minister extended special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and chief minister Chandrababu Naidu for their cooperation in releasing the funds.