Arikkamedu to become a tourist destination

Puducherry, Apr 21: The Puducherry administration is taking steps to make Arikkamedu, a place of historical importance here, a tourist hotspot, Chief Minister N Rangasamy told the Territorial Assembly today.

Replying to a question from PMK member R K R Anantharaman, he said the administration would obtain a loan and take necessary steps during the current financial year.

The Chief Minister said HUDCO had been appointed the consultant for the scheme and it had given a draft plan at an estimated cost of Rs ten crore. A 33-acre land had been identified at Ariyankuppam for the project and it would be purchased for Rs 8.50 crore. However, the acquisition had been delayed due to paucity of funds, he added.

Earlier, Mr Anantharaman said no effort had been taken to develop the area, which lacked even basic amenitites. The place was being used by anti-social elements and drunkards.

To another question, Mr Rangasamy said 16 large scale, 31 medium, 747 small and 134 micro industrial units have been started in the Union Territory in the last five years, generating employment opportunities for about 8,519 people.

UNI