T.N. seeks Union govt. approval for tourism projects

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday reiterated its demand for Central government approval for various projects including a project at the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram at an estimated cost of ₹30.02 crore and a nature trail at Pykara at an estimated cost of ₹28.30 crore.

Minister for Tourism R. Ramachandran, who met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi, told The Hindu after the meeting that the detailed project reports had been submitted to the Tourism Ministry.

“The State is witnessing a steady increase in the number of both domestic and international tourists. In such a situation, approval for these projects are very much needed. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has stressed the importance of developing the tourism sector,” he said.

The State government has also represented to the 16th Finance Commission for separate funds for conservation and restoration of heritage structures at an estimated cost of Rs. 3,000 crore and development of tourism sector at an estimated cost of ₹1,200 crore, he added.

Under the Special Assistance for State Capital Investment, funds have been sought for establishment of Nandavanam heritage park at Mamallapuram at an estimated cost of ₹99 crore; Garden of Flowers at Devala in Ooty at an estimated cost of ₹72.58 crore; and transformation of Rameshwaram at an estimated cost of ₹99 crore.

Member of Parliament Tiruchi N. Siva, Union Tourism Secretary V. Vidyavathi, and Tamil Nadu Tourism Secretary B. Chandra Mohan were present during the meeting.

Published - November 29, 2024 05:54 pm IST