The Puducherry Tourism Department was in the process of selecting a consultant for preparation of project report for 14 projects prioritised by the Ministry of Tourism for the Union Territory, after receiving intimation in April this year, said Welfare and Tourism Minister P Rajavelu.
Replying to a question raised by A Namassivayam (Cong), he said that after preparation of the report for the project it will be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism for sanction. He said projects include development of heritage area, pilgrim facilities and tourist facilities at Thirukameswarar temple, Villianur, eco beach development at Puducherry region, eco park at Yanam.
Besides development of pilgrim facilities at Ambagarathur temple in Karaikal, riverside walkway at Mahe, extension of beach promenade in Puducherry, spiritual park at Thirunallar in Karaikal, Bharathi Park in Puducherry, said Rajavelu.
Earlier raising the issue Namassivayam said that government of India has allocated Rs 125 crore for tourism projects and wanted to know the status.
Rajavelu said he had so far not received any intimation about the allocation of funds. Namassivayam said that Minister of State for PMO V Narayanasamy had got the allocation granted for Puducherry. It was for the government to get the funds sanctioned by sending project proposals and getting it approved by the ministry.
Rajavelu said that though last year the department had submitted a proposal for Rs 80.47 crore for seven projects but it was yet to receive the financial sanction for the same.
He blamed the Congress which was in power during 2008-2010. MLA Malladi Krishna Rao pointed out that Rs 50 crore was approved in 2010 and Rs 26.55 crore was sanctioned, and questioned government for not using it.