Vijayawada: NTR district Collector Dr G Lakshmisha has announced a series of special programmes to mark World Heritage Day on April 18, aiming to promote and preserve the region's rich cultural heritage.
Addressing a media conference at the Collectorate here on Friday, he said the events would be organised jointly by the State Tourism department, NTR district administration, and the District Tourism Promotion Council.
He emphasised the need to protect heritage sites such as Kanaka Durga Temple, Mogalrajapuram Caves, Akkanna Madanna Caves, Gandhi Hill, and Kondapalli Fort, and pass on this invaluable legacy to future generations. He said a heritage trekking programme would be organised to Kondapalli Fort on April 18, starting at 6 am, along with sports events. In collaboration with INTACH, a heritage walk will also be conducted in the city.
Further, he said a three-day Kondapalli Toys Mela would be held at Kondapalli, showcasing the famous traditional craft. The Collector noted that a Kondapalli toy competition focusing on themes such as heritage culture, Gen Z, festivals, and sustainable development was conducted earlier, and winners will be awarded prizes worth Rs 1 lakh during the mela.
Also, the Collector said a musical night celebrating heritage would be organised on the evening of April 18 at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium (IGMCS) Grounds, featuring noted singers SP Charan and Sunitha Upadrashta, among others. Eminent personalities contributing to heritage preservation will also be honoured on the occasion.
Calling for public participation, Collector Lakshmisha urged citizens to come together to make the initiative a grand success. He added that efforts are being made to institutionalise these celebrations as an annual event.
INTACH Vijayawada Chapter Convener Sai Papineni, RTIH CEO G Krishnan, District Tourism Officer A Shilpa, and representatives of Kondapalli toy artisans' societies were present at the meeting.