Puducherry to develop Tourism

Puducherry, May 4 (UNI) The Puducherry administration is taking all steps to develop tourism in the Union Territory by introducing various projects, including boating facility and floating restaurant, Tourism Minister Malladi Krishna Rao told the Assembly today.

Replying to a debate on the demand for grants for his department, he said that in a bid to attract more tourists, a boating facility from Ariyankuppam river to Arikkamedu archaeological site would be introduced by the end of this month.

Besides, a floating restaurant with water scooter and Shikara boats would be started in Chunnambar river here by the month-end and in other regions by July this year.

A 'Paradise Island' would also be developed in Chunnambaar river, he added.

Mr Rao said the project report for several projects, including beautification of Puducherry beach, Veerampattinam beach, extension of walkway from beach to botanical garden and development of Chunnambar would be prepared by July for getting financial aid from the Centre.

He said e-tourism would be introduced here shortly and an MoU would be signed with the Airports Authority of India for the development of Puducherry airport during this financial year.

Development of eco-friendly cottages in Karaikal would commence this year, for which the Centre had sanctioned Rs 4.46 crore. The Union Government has released Rs four crore for the development of beach and river side walkway in Mahe as the first instalment out of the total project cost of Rs five crore. A wetland park and amusement park would also be developed in the Yanam region, he added.

UNI