Vijayawada: In a big boost to development of the historical Buddhist heritage centre at Nagarjuna Sagar in Palnadu district, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 25 crore. Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu‘s efforts led to the release of the funds for the developmental works.
The funds have been granted ‘challenge based destination development’ of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
The TDP MP for Narasaraopet said that the Centre’s support would revive the golden past of Nagarjuna Sagar, a historical Buddhist site in Macherla constituency. He said that hundreds of Buddhists from across the globe have been visiting the place. However, tourists have been facing troubles due to the absence of basic amenities, he added.
“It is an international Buddhist site and one of the highly revered places for Buddhists across globe. We are going to develop it as a true global centre for Buddhists, with the Centre’s support,” said Devarayulu.
He talked about Nagarjunakonda, an island within the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, being a site of ancient Buddhist monuments and a university where Acharya Nagarjuna, founder of the Mahayana school of Buddhism, once taught. Nagarjunakonda is notable for its ruins of ancient Buddhist structures, dating back between first and third centuries CE.
Devarayulu said that following his request, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu had directed the tourism department officials to include Nagarjuna Sagar to get funds under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. He added that state govt made a detailed presentation before the mission directorate. Accepting the State’s proposal, mission directorate recommended the project to the ministry.
