Pandemic hits community-based tourism initiative

Plans to promote Palair Reservoir derailed by the COVID-induced lockdowns

The well thought out community-based tourism promotion initiative to turn the scenic environs around the Palair reservoir, situated along the Khammam-Suryapet highway in Kusumanchi mandal, into a tourism hub seems to be fast losing steam. The COVID-19-induced crisis dealt a blow to the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)’s ambitious plan to develop the picturesque area around the water body abutting the highway into a major recreational centre. The community-based tourism initiative was launched by the DTPC a couple of years ago by roping in a group of local youth trained in operating the boat ride services under the aegis of the Palair Gram Panchayat.