ASI drafing plan to protect shore temple: Soni

Kancheepuram, Aug 26 (UNI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has drafted a plan to protect the world famous shore temple at Mamallapuram from tsunami and other natural disasters, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said today.

Speaking to reporters here, Ms Soni said, in the first phase the ASI will use remote sensing to detect the location of temples beneath the sea and chalk out measures to protect them.

She said the Centre is taking steps to promote heritage sites and temples with rich cultural history. The states should send a report on the sites to the Union Government which will make necessary fund allocation for three schemes annually for such promotions.

Ms Soni said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is keen on implementating of tourism development schemes.

The Centre will be holding discussions with officials on developing world-class tourist sites in Tamil Nadu. Efforts will also be taken to execute medical tourism plan in which Kerala has recorded several achievements.

The Minister emphasised that tourism remained unaffected by recent act of terror.

She said about 1.30 lakh rooms are required for the 2010 Common Wealth Games and the government is examining various options, including encouraging paying guest facilities, for meeting the demand.

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