AUSPICIOUS BEGINNING: Union Minister of State Jairam Ramesh laying the foundation stone for `S.R. Sankaran Lake Gardens' in Srikalahasti on Friday. Tirupati MP Chinta Mohan and Srikalahasti MLA S.C.V. Naidu are also seen.

TIRUPATI: Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh has said that Tirupati, Srikalahasti, Sriharikota, Pulicat and Gudimallam will be developed into a tourist circuit by strengthening the rail and road network. The famous Pulicat Lake and the 2nd Century BC temple at Gudimallam will be developed for the benefit of pilgrims visiting places in and around Tirupati.

Airport development

Addressing a public meeting at Srikalahasti on Friday, the Minister expressed happiness at the pace at which the Tirupati airport had been developed.Reiterating the Government's commitment to improve the living standards in villages, he said that cooperative milk units, which were shut down due to the onslaught of the private dairies, would be reopened.

He also announced that the capacity of the Tirupati-based Balaji Dairy, an offshoot of Chittoor dairy, would be enhanced to benefit the milch cattle-rearers.

Mr. Ramesh recalled the efforts taken to promote clusterbean (guar) cultivation in Chittoor, Anantapur and Kadapa districts for Rs.1,000-crore export market for organic gum. He also said that bamboo and similar products would be encouraged to provide a sustained income to rural artisans.

Mango exports

Mr. Chinta Mohan spoke on the efforts being taken to export mangoes to the Gulf countries. MLAs - S.C.V. Naidu (Srikalahasti) and M. Venkataramana (Tirupati), civic chief G.L. Annapurna and Srikalahastiswara temple chairman Kola Anand - were present. Mr. Jairam Ramesh earlier laid the foundation stone for S.R. Sankaran Lake Gardens.

The tank, which is presently known as Bangarammagunta, will be developed with lush-green landscaping and boating facility introduced.

A recreation spot for the denizens as well as the tourists visiting the Srikalahasteeswara shrine will be provided.

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