Tourism Department Gets Rs 50 Crore Booster Shot

Tourism Minister P Rajavelu (second from L) and other officials releasing a calendar ahead of the summer tourism events in Puducherry on Thursday

PUDUCHERRY: : The Ministry of Tourism has released Rs 50 crore for implementing four tourism projects in the UT, said P Rajavelu, Minister for Tourism, at a press conference here on Thursday.

The development of Arikamedu, the ancient Roman trading centre, as a tourist destination; development of the Ossudu lake; lighting of heritage monuments and heritage buildings, and development of a recreational park; and a garden and tourist amenities around Yanam tower will be taken up with the funding.

The funds were released by the Tourism Minister after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave in principle approval for tourism projects at an estimated cost of `125 crore during his visit to the Union Territory.

The Tourism Department has sent proposals for eight more projects at an estimated cost of `50.41 crore to the Ministry of Tourism to get Central assistance, said Secretary Tourism  WVR

Murthy.

A detailed project report is being prepared to avail Central assistance of `47 crore for five projects — Ecobeach projects (`25 crore) at Kalapet, Dubrenyapet, Chinna Veerampatinam, Nallavadu and Manapet; development of heritage area, pilgrim facilities and tourist facilities at Thirukameswararar temple Villianur (`5 crore); extension of beach promenade and developing view points (`6 crore) and development of places in and around Bharathi park (`5 crore).

The Department of Science, Technology and Environment has to get a project prepared by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for establishing an oceanarium in Puducherry, he said. Steps will also be taken for revival of flights. A discussion with flight operators will be convened for talks on the operation of flights. The agenda will be establishing a refuelling station for aviation fuel at Puducherry, said Murthy.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Department is organising Entertainment and Shopping Expo from May 23 to June 15 at New Port Ground, Uppalam to promote tourism in the Union Territory.

Stating this at a press conference, Minister for Welfare and Tourism P Rajavelu a total of 100 stalls would provide entertainments like snow game, children’s games, amusement games and video games. There will be a food court at the expo and several cultural programmes have been lined up for all the 24 days, he said.

The government will spend `10 lakh to host the festival. An empanelled event management will organise the festivities. An entry fee of `10 for adults and `5 for children will be charged.

Further, the department has drawn up a calendar of attractive events from May 2014 to December 2014, and has earmarked `3 crore for the purpose.

This includes food festival, kite festival, Puducherry Dance Festival, Tour de Pondy (Cycleathan), film festival, art, design, Fashion Week, National Art and Craft Festival, painting exhibition, antique exhibition, Pondy marathon, record break event, Puducherry classical music fest, Word Tourism Day Celebration, festival of lights, crackers fest, wine festival, treasure hunt, petanque tournament, music and band fest, Puducherry Carnival, beach festival, Puducherry Shopping Festival, magic show, theatre festival, adventure sports festival, sand sculpture festival, festival of colours, masquerade and New Year celebration, the Minister said.

Tourism Department Gets Rs 50 Crore Booster Shot