Hyderabad: Labour, Mines and Geology Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy called for Medak Fort tourism development through Central grants and matching State funds. He said the historic fort should emerge as a major tourist destination.
Vivek made the proposal in Medak on Monday after unveiling a special postal cover dedicated to Medak Fort. The minister congratulated the Postal Department for recognising the historical significance of the fort. He said the special postal cover highlighted its heritage value.
Vivek said Medak’s status as a district headquarters had strengthened the case for developing the fort. Therefore, he sought a coordinated effort to improve tourism infrastructure around the historic site.
Medak Fort tourism requires heritage clearances
Vivek said authorities needed clearances from the Central government because Medak Fort was a heritage property. He said Medak MP Raghunandan Rao could help secure funding from the Union Tourism Ministry. Moreover, he proposed combining Central grants with a matching contribution from the Telangana government.
“Funds should be allocated by combining central grants with a matching contribution from the State Government,” Vivek said. The minister also made a lighter observation about reaching the fort. He said walking up to the fort offered visitors a cost-free and effective workout.
Vivek recalled that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had earlier sanctioned Rs 30 crore for the development of Medak Church. He said Medak should develop into a full-fledged tourism hub by building on its prominent attractions.
Medak Fort tourism could strengthen district tourism hub
The minister’s proposal placed Medak Fort tourism alongside broader efforts to develop Medak’s heritage and religious attractions. Vivek said the fort needed development as a prominent destination now that Medak served as a district headquarters.
However, its heritage status required authorities to secure the necessary Central approvals before taking up development measures. The minister sought funding support from both governments. He also pointed to the possibility of obtaining Union Tourism Ministry funds through MP Raghunandan Rao.
Medak MP Raghunandan Rao and MLA Mynampally Rohit attended the programme. Other elected representatives and officials were also present during the unveiling of the special postal cover.