CAG raps Arunachal tourism department

Itanagar, Mar 26 (UNI) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its recent report has criticised the Arunachal Pradesh tourism department for deficiencies in planning and promotional efforts.

It also pointed out the inadequate efforts towards development of new tourism products and non-adherence to prescribed procedures.

The report, tabled in the just concluded Assembly session, revealed that out of 26 tourist infrastructural projects sanctioned by the Central government between 2002 and 2007 at a cost of Rs 59.98 crore, the department could only complete 13 projects worth Rs 46.65 crore till March last year.

Stating that the department failed to formulate a Tourism Master Plan (TMP), the report disclosed that ten infrastructure development schemes sanctioned by the Centre during March 1997-98 and May 2000-01 at an estimated cost of Rs 3.69 crore were dropped by the Central government due to failure of the department to utilise the funds.

There were deficiencies in planning and promotional efforts, the report pointed out while stating that the department was responsible for promotion of tourism in the state through planning and development of tourist infrastructure and marketing of the state as a tourist destination.

UNI UPB PL SP DS1330