Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda restored

The work on scientific restoration of the dome of the Maha Stupa, at the Buddhist heritage site at Thotlakonda, which was partially damaged following heavy rains during 2019, has been finally complete

The work on scientific restoration of the dome of the Maha Stupa, at the Buddhist heritage site at Thotlakonda, which was partially damaged following heavy rains during 2019, has been finally completed and restored. Tourism Minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao visited the 2,000-year-old heritage site, on Tuesday. He formally inaugurated the tourist amenities centre, which was built in the past, but refurbished recently. The centre, located outside the main heritage site, has washrooms for men and women. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the revenue of the Tourism Department has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts were being made to increase it by attracting more tourists. A ‘meditation centre’ would also be built at Thotlakonda soon. Buses would be operated to the hilltop and the Tourism Department would soon launch an app for the convenience of tourists.