Centre to give Rs 50 cr for tourism development

Nagpur, Sep 8 (UNI) The Central Government had agreed in principle to release a grant of Rs 50 crore for the development of tourism in Maharashtra, Minister for Tourism Vijaysingh Mohite-Patil said today.

Speaking after inaugurating the state's first Tourist Reception Centre here, Mr Mohite-Patil said the Centre would release the grant after identifying the spots to be developed from the fund.

At present, the state government was developing 15 eco-tourism spots in Vidarbha, he said.

Eco-tourism in Vidarbha has the potential to attract travellers from all over the world, he informed.

Later, the Minister presided over a meeting of MPs and Legislators from Vidarbha to discuss the development of tourism in the region. He stressed the need to boost tourism in Vidarbha through privatisation.

Minister for Forests Babanrao Pachpute said the policy for eco-tourism would be placed before the state cabinet at its next meeting.

The state government has proposed to provide Rs 120 crore over the next 3 years for rehabilitation of villages located inside forests, he added.

Built at a cost of Rs 2.36 crore, the Tourist Reception Centre in Nagpur has facilities that include an office of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), offices of travel companies, memento shops, restaurants, space for bank, a visitors' room, an auditorium, a meeting hall, a dining hall and an exhibition hall besides accommodation for tourists.

UNI