The Dissent At Thotlakonda Against Film Nagar Continues

Visakhapatnam North MLA P Vishnukumar Raju has joined the fight opposing the construction of Film Cultural Club at Thotlakonda. Buddhist monks and activists have already been staging protests against the allotment of 15 acres on the heritage site for this purpose.

Vishnukumar Raju met the CM in Vijayawada and alleged that the decision was taken without consulting the MLAs in the district. He stated the fact that they weren’t invited for the foundation stone laying ceremony as proof of their non-involvement.

“Thotlakonda is a Buddhist monument and setting up the Filmnagar Cultural Centre near the heritage site would defile its sanctity,” he said. He stated that the BJP strongly opposed the allotment of land and urged the CM to cancel the project.

As we previously wrote, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) leaders of various Buddhist organisations who fall under the Buddhist Monuments’ Protection Committee previously staged a protest. Conservation activists believe the Film Nagar Cultural Centre plan should be chucked as the area is archaeologically sensitive.