Spiritual tourism a major focus area of Andhra Pradesh government, says Endowments Minister

State government focuses on spiritual tourism, improving temple infrastructure; plans for spiritual, eco, adventure, and heritage tourism activities.

Spiritual tourism is a major focus area of the State government, and several key decisions have been taken to improve infrastructure at temples across the State in this regard, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy told The Hindu in an exclusive interaction.

“The State government is planning to develop spiritual, eco, adventure and heritage tourism activities across the State. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently announced a Group of Ministers Committee with the Deputy Chief Minister as its Chairman, and Endowments, Tourism and Infrastructure & Investments (I&I) Ministers as its members,” Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said.

“During the first meeting of this Committee, key decisions were taken to improve the opportunities in the tourism sector, which has a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10% in the State, by creating special plans. The Endowments and Tourism Departments are likely to work together to give a boost to the spiritual tourism in the State,” he added.

“A conducive tourism policy must be adopted and a comprehensive route map prepared connecting all major temples in the State. As a part of that, steps should be taken to protect the sanctity of the temples and raise awareness on our unique culture.”

“Nowadays, tourism means going abroad and our temples have become picnic spots. With the funds from the Central government scheme, the infrastructure at temples must be developed across the State. The Endowments and Tourism Departments shall create these temples as spiritual tourism hubs to attract the tourists from all over the country,” he said.

The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme was launched by the Union Ministry of Tourism to develop and promote religious tourism in India. Under this scheme, A.P. has so far received ₹125 crore from the Centre for the development of Amaravati, Srisailam Temple and Simhachalam Temple.

“The State government has no dedicated funds for the development of temples. In the recent Budget, ₹226 crore was allocated for Endowments Department, and that will be limited to salaries of the employees. We depend on the funds of temple governing bodies, Common Good Fund (CGF) and donations only for protection of temples or temple lands,” Mr. Ramanarayana said.