AIMIM MLC Calls for Boosting Telangana’s Tourism Sector

Effendi Stresses the Need for Better Facilities and Faster Project Completion to Elevate Telangana's Tourism Sector

MLC Riyazul Hassan Affandi began by expressing his gratitude to the Speaker for allowing him to address the issue of honorariums for Imams and Muezzins. He acknowledged that, following the recommendation of floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, the previous government had introduced honorariums for these religious figures, a program that continues to this day. However, Affandi raised concerns in the Council about delays in the disbursement of these honorariums. He called for an increase in the amount and urged the government to expedite the payment process through a green channel to ensure timely and efficient delivery

Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), brought attention to Telangana’s vast yet underutilized tourism potential during a speech in the Legislative Council. He outlined the state’s rich diversity of attractions, including temples, mosques, dargahs, ashurkhanas, churches, gurudwaras, heritage sites, craft festivals, and nature and wildlife destinations. While praising the state government’s initiatives to promote tourism, Effendi stressed that there is still much work to be done to unlock the full potential of the sector.

Effendi highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure for both domestic and international tourists. He called for the improvement of facilities at key tourist destinations around Hyderabad, which draw large numbers of visitors. These include the Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Salar Jung Museum, Chowmohalla Palace, Falaknuma Palace, Birla Mandir, and more.

The MLC expressed concern over the slow progress of several crucial tourism projects and urged the government to expedite their completion. Among the key initiatives that require attention are:

1, Renovation of Sardar Mahal to create a museum and hotel.
2, Completion of the Chowk Market development project.
3,The acceleration of the Charminar Pedestrianization Project (CPP).
4, Development of Laad Bazaar, a popular shopping area for tourists.
5,Ongoing construction at Khurshid Jah Devdi.
6, Restoration of the historical Mir Alam Tank and surrounding areas.
7,The initiation of the Sky Cable Bridge project linking Seven Tombs and Golconda Fort.
8, Maintenance and development of the Seven Tombs and a market near Paigah Tombs.
9, The commencement of work on the Hawker Bridge near Salar Jung Museum.
Effendi emphasized the importance of prioritizing these projects, recognizing their potential to drive tourism and economic growth in the state.

Additionally, Effendi called for the improvement of basic amenities at tourist sites, such as drinking water, restrooms, toilets, and parking facilities. He also recommended enhancements to public transportation, including better cab services, buses, metro trains, and MMTS services, to reduce congestion around major tourist hubs.

Effendi further urged the preservation and development of heritage buildings like Osmania Hospital, the High Court, Falaknuma Palace, Osmania University, Alia School, and Alia College. He also proposed organizing Urdu cultural shows and mushairas to celebrate Hyderabadi Dakhni language and culture, which could serve as a unique cultural attraction for tourists.

Acknowledging Hyderabad’s rise as a hub for medical tourism, Effendi noted the growing number of patients from across India and the Gulf region who visit the city for treatment, generating significant foreign exchange. However, he pointed out several challenges that need to be addressed to sustain the sector's growth.

Finally, Effendi expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of only ₹226 crore for tourism infrastructure development from the ₹479 crore tourism budget, with a large portion being reserved for advertising and promotion. He urged the government to allocate more funds towards the development of tourism infrastructure to fully harness Telangana’s potential as a leading tourist destination.