Visited Budhist site

      Recent excavations by the Government for Polavaram canal net work in East Godavari District, revealed the relics of Budhist Stupas which existed in 3rd. century B.C. along banks of the River Thandava , in Kummarilova, near Tuni in East Godavari District. The News Paper reports and the visit from the Andhra University Professors along with Smt.Rani Sarma Convener INTACH, Visakhapatnam Chapter was discussed during the regular meeting of INTACH members at Kakinada. Members who were keen in seeing the place, got together and with help of the local Tahsildar, at Tuni, thanks to our Chief Patron’s initiative, we could visit the location. Earlier, we appealed to the Chief Patron, the District Collector to earmark some land and build a Museum for housing the rare objects which are being unearthed there. Proposals were put up by the Tahsildar for 5 Acres of land adjoining the site which will have to be officially sanctioned by the District Collector. Since more than 6/7 Budhist sites exist in the District in different parts, a proposal was given to the District Collector to link up these sites with proper roads and minimum facilities like wash rooms and drinking water so that these can attract many Budhists who visit India and can be a revenue earner in terms of Tourism. Unless constantly followed up, this will take some time for clearances from different authorities. Our Chapter proposes to take an active part In the issue.