Chittoor News

The picturesque Kailasakona Waterfalls near Nagari has become a major attraction this winter, with thousands of tourists flocking to the serene location to enjoy its cool breeze, lush greenery, and refreshing waters. As temperatures drop, the natural spring-fed waterfalls have become a preferred getaway for travelers from Chennai, Tirupati, Bengaluru, and nearby districts who are seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life. The scenic trekking routes surrounding the falls, along with their spiritual significance, have further contributed to the rise in footfall. Tourism officials have noted a remarkable surge in weekend visitors, prompting the department to deploy additional staff for crowd control, safety monitoring, and maintaining cleanliness across the premises. Temporary barricades, signboards, and resting areas have also been set up to guide tourists along the trekking paths and ensure a safer experience for families and children. Local vendors and small businesses around Kailasakona are benefiting from the increased traffic, with shops selling refreshments, handmade crafts, and local delicacies witnessing brisk sales. Many nearby villages have also begun offering homestay options to accommodate tourist demand, giving visitors a closer look at rural life in the region. To further boost tourism, the department is planning to introduce eco-friendly cottages, guided nature walks, viewpoint platforms, and digital ticketing facilities in the coming months. These improvements aim to enhance comfort while preserving the natural environment of the area. Officials are also considering new waste management systems and water conservation measures to ensure sustainable tourism practices. Travelers have praised the destination for its pristine environment, clear waters, and well-maintained surroundings, making Kailasakona one of Chittoor’s most sought-after winter attractions. With upcoming developments and continued government support, the waterfall is poised to become a major eco-tourism hotspot in the region.

In a significant step toward promoting environmental conservation, a massive tree plantation drive was launched in Palamaner as part of the district-wide “Green Chittoor” initiative. The campaign, jointly organized by the Forest Department and several local NGOs, witnessed an enthusiastic turnout from residents, students, farmers, and volunteers from various community groups. Together, they planted more than 10,000 saplings of neem, mango, bamboo, and other native species across key areas such as highways, school grounds, village entrances, and community parks. Senior forest officials highlighted that the initiative comes at a crucial time, with Chittoor district experiencing rising temperatures and declining green cover in recent years. The plantation drive aims not only to boost the region’s biodiversity but also to improve long-term air quality, prevent soil erosion, and support groundwater recharge. Special emphasis was placed on planting climate-resilient species that require minimal maintenance and adapt well to the region’s climate. During the event, awareness campaigns were conducted to educate the public about the importance of tree conservation. Volunteers were trained on how to maintain the saplings during the initial months to ensure maximum survival. Schools and colleges in Palamaner have adopted several plantation zones, taking responsibility for regular watering and maintenance as part of their environmental clubs. Local leaders appreciated the community’s active involvement and stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. They also announced plans to conduct periodic audits to track the growth and survival rate of the saplings. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, authorities have revealed that more plantation drives will be organized throughout the monsoon season to expand green coverage across the district.

The Chittoor district kabaddi team made the region proud with an outstanding performance at the AP State-Level Kabaddi Championship held in Vijayawada this week. Competing against some of the strongest teams from across Andhra Pradesh, the Chittoor boys’ team secured an impressive second place after a thrilling and closely fought final match that drew huge applause from the audience. The girls’ team also showcased remarkable skill and determination, finishing among the top four teams in the tournament, marking one of their best performances in recent years. Coaches and officials praised the athletes for their discipline, teamwork, and relentless practice sessions over the past few months. Many credited the teams’ success to the recently improved training facilities and fitness programs introduced by the Chittoor District Sports Authority. This includes upgraded indoor courts, advanced coaching techniques, and specialized strength-building routines that have helped young athletes enhance their game. Parents and supporters who traveled to Vijayawada to cheer for the teams expressed pride in the players’ efforts, noting that their performance has brought recognition to the district at the state level. Sports officials announced that several outstanding players from the Chittoor teams are now being considered for selection in the Andhra Pradesh state squad for upcoming national championships. The District Sports Officer stated that more initiatives are planned to encourage local talent, including grassroots kabaddi training camps, inter-school tournaments, and scholarship programs for promising athletes. With growing interest in the sport and improved infrastructure, Chittoor is quickly emerging as one of the strongest kabaddi hubs in the region.

In a significant move toward urban modernization, the Chittoor Municipal Council has approved a comprehensive ₹25-crore development project aimed at boosting the city’s infrastructure and improving overall living conditions for residents. The initiative, passed during the council’s monthly meeting, focuses on transforming key public utilities, upgrading essential services, and enhancing the city’s long-term sustainability. As part of the project, major roads across areas like MGB Colony, Shanthinagar, and Gandhi Road will undergo widening to ease traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The plan also includes reconstructing damaged internal roads and introducing improved drainage systems to prevent frequent waterlogging during the monsoon season—an issue residents have long complained about. Additionally, modern LED streetlights will be installed across major routes and residential colonies to strengthen night-time visibility and improve safety for pedestrians and motorists. Council members emphasized that the development plan is an important step toward creating a cleaner, safer, and more organized urban environment. Municipal Commissioner stated that tenders will be floated soon, and work is expected to begin next month following contractor finalization. He added that strict timelines will be enforced to ensure all works are completed without delays. Local representatives welcomed the initiative, noting that improved infrastructure will support Chittoor’s rapid growth and benefit thousands of daily commuters. Residents have also expressed optimism, hoping that the development plan will address long-standing civic issues and contribute to the city’s transformation into a more efficient and future-ready urban center.

Drunk Driving Incident Near Palamaner Leaves Two Injured; Driver Taken Into Custody In a shocking incident on Wednesday night, two people sustained injuries after a speeding car, allegedly driven under the influence of alcohol, rammed into a two-wheeler near Palamaner in Chittoor district. The accident occurred on the Bengaluru–Tirupati Highway, close to the Rangampet junction, a stretch known for heavy traffic during late evenings. According to police reports, the accused, identified as 28-year-old Karthik from Palamaner, was returning from a private party when he lost control of his vehicle due to excessive speeding and intoxication. The car collided with a motorcycle carrying two individuals who were heading home from their workplace. Both victims—aged 32 and 27—were immediately rushed to the Palamaner Government Hospital with leg fractures and multiple bruises. Their condition is reported to be stable. Eyewitnesses at the site claimed that the car was zigzagging on the road moments before the crash, prompting them to alert the police. A highway patrol team reached the spot promptly and detained the driver. A breathalyzer test confirmed that his blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit. The police have registered a case under sections related to reckless driving, causing injury, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The car has also been seized for forensic inspection. Authorities have stated that they will push for strict legal action to send a strong message against drunk driving, which has been a growing concern in the region. Local residents have demanded increased night patrolling and stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws on the Palamaner–Chittoor stretch. Officials assured that additional checkpoints will be set up to prevent similar incidents in the future