YANAM: Yanam, a historic Puducherry Union Territory town on the banks of the Gowthami, is seeking to soon emerge as a major tourist hub.
Given its proximity to the picturesque confluence of the river and the Bay of Bengal -- barely 13 km away, the administration is planning to develop several spots in and around town.
The ongoing tourism projects include Yanam Tower coming up in the Girmpeta area at an estimated cost of Rs 45 crore (of which the share of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is Rs 25 crore and that of the Union Government Rs 20 crore). With a height of 100 metres and a sprawling base, it bids fair to be as imposing as the Eiffel Tower.
A viewing gallery and restaurant have been envisaged on the tower, which is to come up in a year. So far, Rs 7 crore have been spent on the works.
The Tourism Department of Puducherry is planning resorts, and a mandir is coming up on Ferry Road a cost of Rs 20 lakh.
Statues of Bharatmata and Christ are to be completed within six months near the Rajiv river beach at an estimated cost of Rs 2.10 crore.
A major Buddha project, including a statue, is also under consideration.
As of now, Sivam Baath and Rajiv River Beach have been completed and are already attracting tourists.
An air-conditioned “Suddi Saveri’’ boat has been pressed into service. It ferries tourists to the Vrudda Gowthami every day from morning to evening.
The 180-seater boat charges Rs 100 per head or Rs 3000 per 75 persons for two hours under a package scheme.
A church built in 1846 and a mosque in 1848, and the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple and Balayogi Varadhi, are drawing tourists, as are the coconut groves and mangroves surrounding Yanam.
Puducherry Tourism Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, who represents Yanam constituency, is planning more projects to enhance the town’s charms.
Chary@epmltd.com