Concrete measures needed for tourism development in Mah: CM

Mumbai, Aug 31 (UNI) Concrete measures need to be taken to develop tourism, facilities to tourists and information pertaining the sector in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh stated here.

Tourism Department and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) should take initiative to get funds from Central Government for this purpose, Mr Deshmukh said in a meeting held yesterday in Mantralaya regarding various demands of Tourism Department.

State Tourism Minister Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil and Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Shetty were also present on the occasion, an official release said here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director, MTDC, Jayant Gaikwad said Tourism Policy had been announced and 68 entrepreneurs have applied under the Incentive Scheme. It will bring an investment of Rs 2,30,833 lakh, he added. Under resident and breakfast Scheme, 412 house owners have registered, due to which more than 13,500 people have got employment opportunity, the Chief Minister informed.

The Chief Minister directed the officials concerned to have discussions with the Mumbai Suburban Collector at Bandra for setting up Tourism Bhavan in the metropolis. He also directed to transfer plot of Aarey Milk Colony for Bird Park and Art and Craft Centre to the Tourism Department.

CIDCO should take quick action on proposal for Marine Park to be set up in Navi Mumbai, he said. Also, he directed to follow up for land required for New Mahableshwar and Tourism Development Council.

As the Union Minister for Tourism had agreed to give Central funds for development of tourism in Nagpur, Marathwada and other areas, the Chief Minister had directed the tourism Department to draft a proposal soon in this regard and it send to them, the release added.

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