- Monk delegations from Thailand, Cambodia, and Maharashtra join district Collector Diwakara TS
Khammam: The Telangana government has taken the initiative to develop the ancient Buddhist site at Nelakondapalli into an international spiritual center. To develop this site as a Buddhist heritage and tourist center, suggestions and advice were taken from Buddhist monks regarding infrastructure development, conservation of archaeological structures, and restoration.
On Tuesday, Khammam District Collector Divakara T.S. held discussions in this regard with Ajahn Dhamma Dharo, Ajahn Kovido, Ajahn Naritho, and Ajahn Thirayuth from Thailand, Venerable Indriya Samvaro from Cambodia, and Venerable Abhivanno from Maharashtra. During these discussions held at the Nelakondapalli Buddhist site, the matter of preparing a comprehensive master plan for development was thoroughly examined. It was decided to give priority to aspects such as the protection of the Maha Stupa, restoration of Buddhist Viharas, development of tourism infrastructure, visitor management, campus beautification, and an information system explaining Buddhist history, during the formulation of the master plan.
Goal to rank Nelakondapalli among India’s top-3 Buddhist sites
Speaking on the occasion, Collector Divakara T.S. stated that Nelakondapalli is one of the most prominent ancient Buddhist archaeological sites in Telangana. He noted that previous archaeological excavations in Nelakondapalli brought to light the remains of a Maha Stupa, Buddhist Viharas, meeting halls, and other Buddhist structures. He said that archaeological evidence indicates Nelakondapalli flourished as a prominent Buddhist religious and cultural center in ancient times, and the government’s primary goal is to preserve this historical wealth in a scientific manner, pass it on to future generations, and develop it in a way that attracts Buddhist pilgrims from across the country and abroad. He clarified that this project is being undertaken very prestigiously not just like building a structure, but as a tribute to Buddhist dharma. He stated that an expert committee (core team) has been formed comprising the Director of the Department of Archaeology, Buddhist dharma expert Sivanagi Reddy, retired IPS officer Upendra Reddy, and Buddhavanam Special Officer Laxmaiah, among others, to plan the development works. He stated that by taking the advice and suggestions of Buddhist monks and experts, Nelakondapalli will be transformed into a top-tier Buddhist site in the next year and a half. Collector Divakara T.S. said that leaving behind illusions and attachments in life, humankind can live peacefully only through the Middle Path shown by Gautama Buddha, and this project will immensely contribute to the propagation of Buddhist dharma that provided such great knowledge. He stated that the goal is to place Nelakondapalli in the top-3 among prominent Buddhist sites in India.
Multi-crore development for modern facilities and site beautification
Speaking at the meeting, Heritage Telangana Department Director Professor Arjun Rao Kutadi stated that necessary infrastructure for tourists will be provided at the Nelakondapalli Buddhist site at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crores under the auspices of the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation. As part of the development, priority will be given to providing tourist amenities, visitor pathways, campus beautification, signages, and other infrastructure, he said. Furthermore, he stated that conservation and restoration works of the ancient Buddhist Viharas, meeting hall, and related archaeological structures will be undertaken at a cost of Rs. 1.76 crores. He mentioned that the funds required for these works are being sourced through YTPS and Telangana Genco. He stated that the works will be undertaken using scientific conservation methods without damaging the original structural form, historical importance, and architectural style of the archaeological monuments.
Buddhist monks from Cambodia, Thailand, and India also expressed interest in the historical and spiritual significance of the ancient Nelakondapalli Buddhist site. They requested that the Nelakondapalli Maha Stupa, Buddhist Viharas, and other ancient structures be developed according to international standards to turn it into a prominent Buddhist tourist center that attracts global Buddhist pilgrims. RTI Commissioner P.V. Srinivasa Rao, Pleach India Foundation Hyderabad CEO Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, Heritage Telangana Deputy Directors Dr. P. Nagaraju and N. Narsing, Superintendent A. Raju, District Tourism Officer Suman Chakravarthy, District Intermediate Officer Ravi Babu, Nelakondapalli Mandal Tahsildar Ramprasad, Sarpanch Seelam Venkatalakshmi, and others participated in this event.
Anand Gantela is a senior journalist with 30 years of experience across print, TV, and digital media. Currently serving as the Editor of Ink Post, his career spans key reporting and editorial roles at Prajasakti, Andhra Bhoomi, Maa TV, Mudra and Prime Post. He writes on regional news, current affairs, and socio-political developments.
