The Andhra Pradesh Government has identified 21 new tourist destinations for development, including five of them in East Godavari district and Koringa forest area as an eco-tourist spot.

Answering queries during the question hour, the State Minister for Culture and Tourism, Mr Vatti Vasanta Kumar, said that the State Government has identified Koringa forest area as a priority project. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has proposed to develop an eco-tourism spot there with an investment of Rs 6.25 crore, wherein the Central Government is likely to provide Rs 5.20 crore.

Replying to a query raised by Mr K. Kannababu, with regard to new locations identified for development and the number of people employed with APTDC, the Minister said that APTDC employs 1,910 people and 1,600 through public-private partnership projects in the State.