District Collector A. Shyam Prasad said that protecting India’s heritage and tourism wealth remains the responsibility of every citizen.
The Collector was speaking at the World Tourism Day celebrations at the world-famous Thimmamma Marrimanu at Gutibayalu village near Kadiri in Sri Sathya Sai district on Sunday. The 600-year-old banyan tree holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Joint Collector Maurya Bharadwaj, Kadiri MLA Kandikunta Venkata Prasad, and officials from the Tourism and Forest departments were also present.
On the occasion, the Collector launched the ‘Ask AI’ app for the convenience of the tourists. He also flagged off an ‘Eco and Heritage Walk’ from Thimmamma Marrimanu to Eswara Malai hillock. Folk artistes performed Keelugurram and Guravayya dances, adding grace to the walk which saw the participation of officials, students and tourists.
The Collector and MLA then unveiled a plaque for the new botanical garden at Eswara Malai, where rare medicinal plants of Rayalaseema would be grown as an attraction for tourists and students.
Mr. Shyam Prasad said places like Puttaparthi Prasanthi Nilayam and Thimmamma Marrimanu have put Sri Sathya Sai district on the world tourism map, and special plans were being prepared to improve infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the MLA said Thimmamma Marrimanu was a symbol of sacrifice and sought public cooperation to make tourist spots plastic-free and to hold daily cultural programmes.
